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Posted: April 10, 2025
Rapid City
Agenda Item Summary

Agenda Item Ref. #: LF041625-06

Agenda Item Title:

Consideration to Approve the Purchase of a Site for a North Rapid City Police Precinct

Origination Group:
Legal & Finance Committee
Origination Meeting Date:
04/16/2025
City Council Hearing Date:
04/21/2025
Petitioner:
RCPD, Community Development, Public Works, and Finance Office
Staff Contact:
Chief Hedrick, Vicki Fisher, Stacey Titus, Daniel Ainslie
Location:
Council Chambers
Agenda Item Summary:
North Rapid City Precinct Proposal

During 2020 and 2021, the North Maple and Knollwood area experienced a significant increase in residential violence and homicides. In response, the Police Department secured a leased space to immediately establish a precinct in the neighborhood as a deterrent. This precinct houses proactive units during peak times and is strategically located near structures where most of the violent incidents occurred. Additionally, the leased premises support the Department's community engagement efforts in the area.

Since the precinct's opening, violent crime has decreased. However, persistent issues remain. To demonstrate a long-term commitment to the neighborhood, the Department plans to establish a permanent precinct in North Rapid City.

Site Selection Process

A team of staff has evaluated multiple sites in the vicinity to identify a suitable location for a permanent precinct. The proposed site would enable the Police Department to consolidate its presence throughout North Rapid City, facilitate department-wide training and future growth, and offer space for additional city services. The primary criterion in selecting the recommended site is its proximity to the neighborhood most impacted by violence. This location would allow the Police Department to maintain consistent engagement with residents.

Proposed Site Details

The recommended site is a single-story, 11,500-square-foot structure with limited need for remodeling. The building is generally suitable for near-immediate use, featuring open areas for police training, sufficient restrooms, multiple offices, and storage spaces. Necessary upgrades include installing fire suppression sprinklers. The parking lot is in good condition and requires minimal maintenance, such as crack sealing or chip sealing.

The site is situated within a mixed-use area with commercial and residential developments and accessed via a commercial street, making it appropriate for a public service building.

Alternative Sites Considered

Two additional sites were reviewed:

1. Knollwood Drive Location
  • Smaller, split-level structure requiring extensive remodeling.
  • Severely deteriorated parking lot.
2. Haines Avenue Location
  • Significant remodeling required to create offices and meeting/training rooms.
  • Located in a high-density commercial corridor, vital for commercial reuse and sales tax generation.
  • Designated as a principal arterial street and entrance corridor in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Development here is better suited for retail or other commercial purposes, not public purposes.
  • High traffic volume on Haines Avenue may hinder police response times during emergencies.
  • While this site is in the general vicinity, it is not in the immediate epicenter of the violent activity. Proximity to the affected area is crucial for consistent staff visibility and effective community engagement.

Funding Source & Fiscal Impact (if applicable):

Funding Cost Center
101 201.432.000
Is Funding Budgeted?:
Not Budgeted

Recommendations:

Origination Recommendation Action:
Approve

Attachments & Links to Download:

LF041625-06 RCPD Purchase Offer

Published in 2025 - LF Agenda Items

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