Henrico Police South Station

When Henrico County's southeastern police units outgrew their leased office space, they needed more than additional square footage—policing required security systems, training facilities, and spaces engineered for both tactical operations and community engagement. Strategically positioned along North Airport Drive, the station enhances operational readiness across this geographically large county, allowing officers to respond more rapidly to calls for service in the southeastern district.

This 19,900-square-foot facility was designed not just as a police station but as the community's own south station—featuring pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and well-lit areas that complement and enhance the developing neighborhood while maintaining necessary security measures.

Efficiency Through Design

The facility's layout divides into distinct functional zones with key adjacencies that optimize workflow. The evidence processing suite opens directly to patrol parking, minimizing chain-of-custody risks. A multi-function garage serves as a sally port, connecting to a comprehensive interview suite with audiovisual documentation systems. This suite includes both "soft" interview rooms designed for victims and standard rooms for suspects, reflecting a victim-sensitive approach to justice processes.

Built to essential facility standards, the station employs redundant systems and enhanced structural elements for continuous operation during emergencies. Distributed card readers establish secure boundaries between public, administrative, and restricted zones while allowing efficient staff movement between areas.

Operational Diversity

Beyond patrol operations, the station houses specialized units including SWAT, traffic safety, and motorcycle safety divisions. Administrative areas for criminal investigation sections are strategically positioned near interview rooms, creating operational synergies that enhance investigative workflows. This consolidation of diverse units under one roof facilitates collaboration and resource sharing.

Regional Training Infrastructure

The K-9 unit's 5,000-square-foot complex represents a significant upgrade from previous arrangements where regional training depended on borrowed facilities. This purpose-built training center includes indoor and outdoor training environments, kennels built to current standards, and dedicated office space for handlers and training staff. The facility now serves as a regional hub, bringing together K-9 units from across the area for collaborative training exercises.

The incident command response location serves as a tactical operations center during emergencies, with advanced communications systems and break-out rooms that reconfigure for different scenarios. The flexible community room serves multiple functions—hosting community meetings, tactical briefings, and doubling as a backup emergency communications center, adding redundancy to 911 operations.

The station also incorporates dedicated training facilities for the Department of Emergency Communications, allowing them to conduct academy training sessions on-site. This multi-agency approach demonstrates efficient resource utilization and strengthens interagency coordination.

Staff Wellness Focus

Recognizing the demands of law enforcement careers, the facility includes purposeful wellness amenities. The gym facilities, dedicated wellness room, comfortable break areas, and modern locker rooms create an environment where officers genuinely enjoy coming to work. These spaces facilitate shift changes, encourage physical fitness, and support officer mental health—essential components for maintaining an effective police force.

Site Security

The 11-acre site balances accessibility with security. Window placement maximizes natural light while protecting tactical sight lines. Building orientation and entry sequences direct visitors while securing perimeters for staff and vehicle operations.

Future-Ready Design

Training rooms feature modular furniture systems and robust technology infrastructure. Cable pathways and power systems accommodate technological evolution throughout the building. Administrative areas include raised access flooring for reconfiguration, while conference spaces contain pre-wiring for audiovisual systems.

Through dedicated spaces for patrol operations, specialized units, K-9 training, emergency response, and community engagement, this facility meets the technical demands of modern law enforcement operations while serving as a welcoming, secure community resource for the citizens of Henrico County and all who work and visit the area.

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