York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office is moving on to bigger and better things – Daily Press

YORK — York County and Poquoson County officials on Tuesday welcomed the new York County Law Enforcement Building, a 51,000-square-foot facility that provides more than six times the space of the former Department of Justice office. sheriff.

The grand opening of the building at 159 Goodwin Neck Road officially marked the transition from the former location down the street, where the Sheriff's Office shared space with Social Services and Fire and Safety Services people.

“It’s not just a law enforcement center; this belongs to the citizens of York County and the City of Poquoson,” said Sheriff Ron Montgomery. “This building was far beyond anything we expected when we moved here. I can tell you that it has energized this agency beyond belief.

The idea for the law enforcement building came from a 2018 study that determined the sheriff's office, which had about 8,000 square feet, would benefit from its own space. The new facility is expected to meet the needs of the sheriff's office for the next four decades, said G. Stephen Roane Jr., chairman of the York County Board of Supervisors. Additionally, it gives more space to fire departments and social services.

Built by Oyster Point Construction, the new center is two stories tall and cost $22 million to build, with an additional cost of $5.6 million for site work, security, technology and furniture. Funding came from the York County Capital Improvement Program.

“What this building really demonstrates is a mutual respect and caring between the citizens of this county and the law enforcement officers who serve,” said Sen. Danny Diggs, who spent two decades as sheriff of York-Poquoson and who was credited, alongside former County Administrator Neil Morgan, with lighting the spark for the facility.

In addition to larger offices and meeting spaces, the facility has more space for training, including a simulation room. It also includes a state-of-the-art evidence room, fitness center, break room, kitchen and dining area, and locker room. There is also a community room and a designated office for the community policing unit.

The building's HVAC system runs on geothermal energy. Outside there is an auxiliary building which houses larger equipment.

Tuesday's official dedication drew dozens of community members and civic leaders from York County, Poquoson and beyond. Roane called the turnout “fantastic, and it’s very fitting because this is a building for the community.” It’s not just a set of offices; it’s done for the whole county. So to see so many people from the county here is fantastic.

With the recent addition of two fire stations, and now the law enforcement building, the county continues to achieve its goal “to support and provide the community with the best public safety in the region,” added Roane.

Montgomery told the community members in attendance that he hoped they would be as excited about the new center as he was and that they were welcome for a tour.

“It’s your building,” Montgomery said. “You built this building; your taxes paid for this building. So I hope… you will come here regularly.

Anna Dorl, [email protected]