The technology at the new Little Rock Police Department headquarters is impressive. There’s touch-activated dimming lights, sliding bulletproof glass doors that lock at the bottom, rising desks and lamps that swivel every which way and turn on with a slide of the finger. The two-story building still has that fresh new smell in every room — a vast change from the mildewy stench across the street at the old headquarters. Staff gave a tour of the new space Thursday, and they were eager to show off every inch.

Interim Police Chief Wayne Bewley noted that the day’s tour was an opportunity for a transparent relationship between the department and the media. He recognized the need to do better.

The move to the $7 million building started a few weeks ago, and almost everything is in its new place. Bewley said he was in the previous headquarters for 35 years, “but I haven’t looked back.”

The open house media tour was conversational and casual. Pastries, fruit and refreshments were offered at the start, and staff were happy to answer all questions asked.

Construction of the 18,000-square-foot building started Jan. 11, 2021, and the office spaces in the new building were planned strategically to ensure that divisions have their own zones. For example, the chiefs’ offices are secured in a card-only section, the personnel who handle body camera footage have their own office and the FOI folks have a designated space, too. The new media room has a snazzy backdrop, podium and flags. Every room has automatic lights that are energy efficient, spokesperson Mark Edwards said.

The lobby area, which the public will likely have the most interaction with, was comfortable. This section was built onto the old existing building, and the exposed brick is painted over in a cool gray. A few swivel chairs and padded benches filled the common area. High ceilings and a glass wall give an airy feel to the space.

The conference room at the top of the second floor is so big that Bewley said other agencies will be able to access the space for gatherings. Eight long science-class-like tables were pressed together to create a massive gathering space. About 40 tall-backed chairs can be gathered below the uniquely designed ceiling — a grid map of Little Rock. The interstate exchange is easy to spot, and the headquarters is represented as a rather large rectangle near the edge of the map. All of the chairs and tables in the conference room were on wheels and can be reconfigured easily.

LRPD didn’t skimp on the budget when it came to bathrooms. Edwards said there’s probably five on each floor. Blue tiled walls lined the facilities and bright white lighting emphasized the cleanliness of the rooms. The same type of tile was used for the backdrop in the headquarter’s kitchen. Complete with a full-sized refrigerator, a classic water cooler and LED lights under the cabinets, the kitchen was stunning. Dozens of oversized and exposed lightbulbs hung above the kitchen island — a real statement piece.

The Real Time Crime Center has a spot in the building’s center, behind a frosted, automatically locking door. Although the department is still waiting for the main software — called a VMS, or video maintenance system — to get the cameras up and running, more than 30 computer monitors have already been delivered. Bulletproof glass encloses the center in a fish tank-like manner, but blackout shades are ready for coverage. 

“We give them the ability here to start researching,” Assistant Chief Heath Helton said. “It allows them to do more analytic work and then push that out as it comes in so we’re not tied up here looking like zombies staring at TVs all day long.”

The dimming lights in this room were an important element for the staff, who will be keeping an eye on dozens of screens all day and night. Initially, three or four already-employed police staffers will man the Real Time Crime Center from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., Helton said. Eventually, the hope is to hire and train civilians to work here as well. Retired law enforcement folks or college students interested in criminal justice could be a good fit, Helton said.

Once up and running, the center will tap into nearly 60 cameras around the city, with more expected to be added soon. Local businesses will have the opportunity to allow access to their cameras during an emergency — LRPD will not have full-time access. The community will also have a role to play, if they so choose, Helton said. Residents can notify the police department that they have working cameras in their area, and if an emergency is reported near there, officers will reach out to community members to check their cameras.

“We have to have everybody playing and helping us out because we just simply can’t do it ourselves,” Helton said. “It’s just not viable.”

Staff have already personalized many of the work spaces with Star Wars posters, old model car memorabilia and police swag.

FUTURE CHIEF: Interim Chief Wayne Bewley shows off the rising desk in the upcoming chief of police office.

Supporting the Arkansas Times' independent journalism is more vital than ever. Help us deliver the latest daily reporting and analysis on news, politics, culture and food in Arkansas.

Founded 1974, the Arkansas Times is a lively, opinionated source for news, politics & culture in Arkansas. Our monthly magazine is free at over 500 locations in Central Arkansas.