The Baltimore County Police Department held a groundbreaking of a new precinct for Essex Precinct 11 on Thursday.
The project represents a $29.9 million investment in public safety and the future of policing in Baltimore County.
The new 34,000 square-foot renovation and expansion is designed with a focus on officer safety, operational efficiency, and community engagement.
Some of the new Precinct feature include:
*40-seat community room
* Memorial garden
* New conference and office space
* New holding cells
* A secure entrance for transferring detainees
* Secure parking area for Police with Sallyport for prisoner intake
* Welcoming public plaza and lobby
During the renovation, a 26,000-square-foot addition will be constructed to temporarily house department members.
After the addition is complete, staff will relocate there so the existing 8,000-square-foot main building can undergo renovation. The final phase will be connecting to renovated main building to the new addition.
Construction is expected to be completed in Summer 2028.
According to Baltimore County, the Essex Precinct, built in 1973′ has faced increasing space constraints, resulting in 20 to 30 of its 161 employees working offsite, which is one of the main reasons for the project moving forward.
The Thursday groundbreaking was attended by community members, local business owners, Baltimore County officials, members of the Maryland General Assembly, and representatives from Maryland’s congressional delegation.
Members of the Baltimore County Police Department, including sworn and professional staff, were also in attendance.