The Carthage Police Department has begun moving into a new, purpose-built police station on West Sabine Street, marking a significant upgrade in facilities and operational capabilities. The new standalone building replaces a shared space the department occupied for decades, addressing long-standing issues of security, space, and efficiency.
City officials state the new facility was constructed for between $3 and $4 million, a figure substantially lower than the estimated $14 million cost to renovate the previous location. The project was funded directly by the city without incurring debt.
Key Takeaways
- The Carthage Police Department is moving into a new standalone station on West Sabine Street.
- The new facility resolves critical space shortages and security vulnerabilities present in the old shared building.
- Construction cost was between $3 and $4 million, paid for by the city without borrowing funds.
- Key upgrades include a secure sally port, dedicated juvenile holding cells, and expanded office and evidence storage space.
Addressing Decades of Limitations
For many years, the Carthage Police Department operated out of a building constructed in the 1960s, which it shared with the fire department. Originally designed to house city hall and the fire station, the facility became increasingly inadequate for the needs of modern policing.
The cramped conditions created numerous operational challenges. A critical lack of storage forced the department to convert one of its two holding cells into an evidence room, leaving only a single cell for all arrestees.
Carthage Police Chief Blake Smith explained that the old building presented significant liabilities. "It takes away a lot of liability we’ve got at the other building for different reasons," he said. "And it gives us a better area to work and to serve our citizens."
Enhanced Security and Officer Safety
A Secure Intake Process
One of the most significant improvements in the new station is a secure, caged sally port at the rear of the building. This enclosed area allows officers to bring individuals in custody into the facility without exposure to the public.
This feature directly addresses a major safety concern at the old location. Chief Smith highlighted the risks officers previously faced.
"You won’t have the instances we had down there where you’d actually pull in with somebody in custody and have their family members there waiting for you, which is not a good situation," Smith stated.
The new design ensures that the transfer of arrestees from patrol vehicles to holding cells is a controlled and secure process, protecting both the officers and the public.
Facility at a Glance
- Location: West Sabine Street, Carthage, Texas
- Cost: $3 to $4 million
- Key Feature: Secure, enclosed sally port for prisoner intake
- Improvement: Multiple holding cells, including a dedicated juvenile cell
- Previous Building: Constructed in the 1960s, shared with the fire department
Expanded and Specialized Holding Areas
The new police station features a significant expansion of its detention capabilities. Instead of the single operational holding cell at the previous location, the new building has multiple cells. Crucially, this includes a specific cell designed for holding juveniles, allowing the department to adhere to regulations requiring the separation of minors from the adult population.
This expansion not only improves compliance but also provides a safer environment for both staff and those in custody. The additional space ensures that the department can manage its holding needs without compromising evidence storage or operational areas.
A Modern Workspace for a Modern Force
The new facility provides a substantial upgrade in workspace for all department personnel. The previous building suffered from a severe lack of adequate office space, which impacted daily operations and administrative efficiency.
Dedicated Administrative and Investigative Offices
In the new station, the command staff and investigative units have dedicated offices. The chief, assistant chief, detectives, and sergeants now have private workspaces, which supports confidential work and improves organizational workflow. This is a stark contrast to the cramped, shared quarters of the past.
Patrol officers also benefit from a more spacious, shared workspace designed to accommodate report writing, equipment preparation, and shift briefings. The improved layout is intended to boost morale and productivity.
Investing in Personnel
City officials view the new police station as more than just a building; they see it as a strategic investment in their law enforcement personnel. A modern, safe, and efficient workplace is a key tool for recruitment and retention in a competitive job market for police officers.
Carthage City Manager Steve Williams emphasized the city's commitment to its officers. "We want their job to be as easy as possible and as efficient as possible and want them to come to work and give them a great facility to work out of," he said. The city hopes the improved working conditions will help attract new talent and retain experienced officers.
Fiscal Responsibility in Public Works
A notable aspect of the project is its financial management. Years ago, an estimate to renovate the old, shared building came in at approximately $14 million. Faced with this prohibitive cost, the city explored alternatives.
The decision to construct a new, purpose-built facility proved to be far more economical. The final cost landed in the range of $3 to $4 million, less than a third of the proposed renovation budget.
According to City Manager Steve Williams, the city was able to fund the project without taking on new debt. "We said, ‘okay, we have the money to build a facility in the $3 or $4 million range,’" Williams explained. "And so, without having to borrow money, we were able to basically write a check for that."
This fiscally conservative approach allowed the city to meet the critical needs of its police department while avoiding a long-term financial burden on taxpayers. The move into the new station began shortly after a public open house event was held on Thursday, October 2, 2025.