The grand opening of the new home of the Central Police Precinct was held March 11. The three-story facility was built specifically for modern day police operations and is nearly double the size of the precinct’s former office space in Bridgestone Arena, where there was no room for expansion. Mayor Karl Dean, joined by Police Chief Steve Anderson and downtown business and community leaders attended.
“A more visible and roomier Central Precinct will greatly add to our thriving SoBro and downtown, the heart of our hospitality and entertainment industry and home to a growing number of urban dwellers,” Mayor Dean said. “I am proud of the investments we are making in public safety and the results we are seeing in reduced crime and in a greater sense of security in our communities. When people feel safe, our neighborhoods and our city thrive.”
The new building, which is at 601 Korean Veterans Boulevard, is located directly across the street from the Music City Center and one block from the Omni Hotel. It is the latest addition in the continuing redevelopment of the SoBro District. The $4 million investment signifies Metro’s continuing commitment to public safety.
The Central Precinct is Metro Police’s smallest one geographically, covering the 4.3 square miles within the interstate loop that encompasses downtown. It is, however, the precinct responsible for serving more than 7,200 downtown residents, the safety of downtown businesses and more than 12 million visitors who come to Music City each year.
“The new Central Precinct is a vital part of the infrastructure that will allow the police department to build on its crime fighting successes while enhancing meaningful partnerships with businesses and residents,” Chief Anderson said. “This building is yet another affirmation that elected leaders, residents, businesses and police officers are united in our commitment to Nashville’s safety and unique quality of life.”
Central Precinct Commander Jason Reinbold oversees a staff of 122 police personnel, including patrol, Flex, motorcycle, bicycle and mounted officers, as well as detectives.
The Central Precinct is the third major police facility to open during Mayor Dean’s administration. The Officer Paul Scurry Building, which houses the Madison Precinct and the city’s first-ever full service DNA Crime Laboratory, opened in January.
The state-of-the-art Chief Joe D. Casey Building, which houses the West Precinct, opened in December 2011.
In addition, construction is continuing on Nashville’s eighth police precinct, to be known as Midtown Hills, at the corner of 12th Avenue South and Wade Avenue.
