Mayor Daley Cuts Ribbon For New 17th District Police Station

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2005

Mayor's Press Office: (312) 744-3334
Bennie Currie: (312) 744-9277

New Community Anchor Comes to Chicago's Northwest Side

Mayor Richard M. Daley today unveiled the new Albany Park (17th District) Police Station -- a state-of-the-art facility designed to address the needs of 21st century law enforcement.

The $15 million station, located at 4650 N. Pulaski Ave., was built by the Public Building Commission of Chicago, which is chaired by Mayor Daley.

The new 42,000-square-foot facility is more than twice the size of the existing 17th District station at 4461 N. Pulaski Rd., which was built in 1938. The new facility is a modern state-of-the-art police station that was built to help meet the needs of the community as well as the challenges of contemporary law enforcement.

"Police do much more than simply walk a beat," said Mayor Daley. "Now they must also fight Internet cyber crimes, such as identity theft, and deal with ongoing problems of illegal guns, organized gangs and illicit drugs. That is why we are strongly committed to providing the best facilities that enable our police force to do their jobs more efficiently to better serve the residents of Chicago."

Joining the Mayor were Chicago Police Superintendent Phil Cline, Executive Director Montel Gayles of the Public Building Commission, Ald. Margaret Laurino (39th Ward) and various local officials.

The new 17th District police station offers features that add to the Chicago Police Department's technology initiatives essential in crime reduction, as well as the department's commitment to community policing.

"By investing in these types of capital improvements-police stations, new parks, libraries, and firehouses-we are creating strong neighborhood anchors that contribute to community pride and improve the quality of life for our residents," said Mayor Daley.

Station features include:

• A new computerized command center and video bonding system will allow for detainees to appear before a judge via a fiber optics network.
  
• High-tech roll call rooms enhance presentations during briefing and training sessions.
  
• A community meeting room will promote neighborhood involvement.
  
• A fitness room and updated locker room facilities will help meet the needs of the police department's changing workforce.