CLEARLAKE >> Construction of a new employee entrance at the Clearlake Police Department (CPD) is underway.
The existing entrance to CPD will be locked, making the double doors in the lobby of Clearlake City Hall the new primary entrance for the public. After doors are locked at 5 p.m., access to the CPD will be by a phone mounted outside the existing entrance.
With the alternative, concerns of public and employee safety during the day, handicap accessibility and employee safety during the night will be solved.
The need for more evidence storage is a result of AB109 realignment, as the length of time that evidence needs to be stored has increased. The need for a secondary door is more fundamental. It arises from public and officer safety concerns. Currently the CPD has only one entrance leading to the lobby, which is often crowded with citizens.
“Police personnel have on occasion collided with citizens in the lobby as they were responding to emergency calls,” CPD Chief Craig Clausen said. “Additionally, they have been struck by rapidly opening doors which do not have windows.”
Security cameras will be installed at the new entrance in order for outgoing officers to see if anyone is at or near the door. Card passes will also be used instead of keys to ensure fast entering and exiting.
In May, the Clearlake City Council approved a contract for the project with Middletown-based R and C Construction with a unanimous vote. The agreement totals $44,000, which is funded with AB109 grants funds shared between Clearlake and Lakeport.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022
