May 21, 2004

Niles - The Michigan State Police (MSP) Niles Post, the City of Niles Police Department and the Niles Township Police Department are partners in the new Niles Law Enforcement Complex, located at 1600 Sliverbrook Ave., which held its official Open House today.

Community members took tours of the complex and viewed displays from each of the three departments. Among the guests were police commanders and Niles City and Township officials who were instrumental in developing this one of a kind building.

"There are other buildings in the state that house multiple police agencies, but never before have police agencies worked together in the same building, sharing their resources and law enforcement information in this way," said First Lieutenant Willie Mays, Michigan State Police Niles Post commander. "This complex is an example of cooperative policing and possibly the future of law enforcement."

The building features common areas that all departments have access to, such as meeting and training rooms. There are also shared areas like radio rooms, fitness centers, showers, lockers and offices where members from the three departments work side by side. Each police department maintains their own squad room and offices for their detectives and administrative staff.

"This complex benefits the City of Niles and all the departments housed here," said Chief Richard Huff, City of Niles Police Department. "This arrangement allows us to better serve to the community while setting an example of cooperation for other state and local police departments."

The original concept for a shared police complex was developed by Retired MSP Captain Richard Dragomer and Retired Berrien County Sheriff Bob Kimmerly. After the two departments were involved in a lengthy investigation involving a series of breaking and entering cases, they determined that a central law enforcement building could help solve cases more rapidly by facilitating communication and sharing resources.

Planning for the Law Enforcement Complex began in 1999, with officials from the Michigan State Police, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, City of Niles Police Department, and Niles City officials contributing to the project. Retired Senator Harry Gast brought the idea to fruition by convincing the Senate Appropriations Committee during 2000, to earmark funding for the pilot project.

Ground was broken in June 2002, and construction followed in July 2002. The building was completed in November 2003, with the departments moving in shortly thereafter.

The 37,712 square foot complex sits on a 12.1-acre lot at the corner of Silverbrook Ave. and East Main Street. The complex cost approximately $6.5 million.

Since moving into the complex late last year, the three departments have worked together successfully on many occasions. During a bank robbery at The Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union in January, the complex was able to quickly disseminate information about the suspects and their vehicle to all the police units from each department working that day. The officers then assisted each other in tracking and arresting the suspects.

Officers from the complex also used their combined work force and communication network to provide security, transportation and crowd control for President George W. Bush’s visit to southwest Michigan in May.

"The cooperation between the departments provides a better flow of information which results in more comprehensive public safety services to the community," said Chief John Street, Niles Township Police Department. "Working in close contact every day with the other departments leads to improved personal and professional relationships."

As a result of the success of this complex, police departments from around the state and country are considering similar pilot programs.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Michigan State Police Niles Post, (269) 683-4411

City of Niles Police Department Administration, (269) 683-3282

Niles Township

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.