Due to persistent problems with vandalism, trespassing and disturbances at the downtown San Diego Police Department headquarters complex, construction is set to begin this week on a security fence surrounding the facility, authorities announced Monday.
The barrier, which will likely take several months to complete, will stand eight to 10 feet tall and surround the municipal property, which comprises a city block bounded by Broadway, E Street, 14th Street and 15th Street in the East Village, according to SDPD officials.
The project, which has been under discussion for the better part of a decade, is being undertaken because “SDPD headquarters experiences frequent vandalism, disturbances (and) trespassing and recently had an employee assaulted in the parking lot,” a statement from the department states.
To comply with public-park requirements, a set of gates at the perimeter edge of the front courtyard of the complex will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week but will be able to be closed and locked in the event of any security concerns.
“The main Broadway entrance will also remain open to the public during business hours, while employee-only zones, the E Street walkway and the main parking lot will transition to secure key-card access,” according to the SDPD statement.
The projected cost of the project is $3.01 million, an outlay that includes funding for design, materials, permits and construction.