The Wichita City Council has approved the purchase of a five acre property at the former Southeast High School for the construction of a new police station.

The property is located at Lincoln and Pinecrest, and the city is planning to buy it for around $219,000 as part of an overall $6.9 million project for a new Patrol East station.

Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said the current substation at 350 South Edgemoor was constructed in 1988, and it was intended for 30 to 40 officers but now houses 100.  He said there are problems with flooding and a lack of locker space, and the building is no longer practical for modern-day policing.

Chief Ramsay said the new facility will put officers closer to the people they serve, it will have space for 100 or more officers and will be able to handle future growth.  He said it will act as a station house, and officers will be able to conduct interviews and investigations there without having to go to City Hall.  He said the building will also have space for community activities.

Construction on the new station could begin in the fall, and the new station would be ready for use by the end of 2022.

[ image shows design of new Patrol East station ]