The Cheyenne Police Department is at a pivotal moment, seeking significant sixth-penny funding to usher in a new era of modernization and operational efficiency. This critical financial initiative aims to address long-standing infrastructural deficiencies and enhance the department’s capacity to serve the community effectively. The requests highlight a proactive approach to improving public safety and ensuring that law enforcement personnel are equipped with state-of-the-art resources.
Central to these requests is the urgent need for a replacement of the current shooting house, which serves as a vital live-fire training facility. This structure is reportedly in advanced disrepair, posing both safety concerns and operational limitations for officers. Its deteriorating condition underscores the immediate necessity for a modern and resilient training environment that can adequately prepare police personnel for real-world scenarios.
To this end, the department proposes the construction of a new, purpose-built metal facility designed to replace the dilapidated shooting house. This advanced structure would incorporate essential features such as a dedicated classroom for theoretical instruction, elevated platforms for safe observation of training exercises, and innovative movable walls. These flexible configurations would allow for dynamic and varied training simulations, significantly boosting law enforcement training capabilities.
Another pressing issue involves the department’s aging fleet of military surplus vehicles, currently utilized for urban police operations. While initially beneficial, these vehicles are now approaching fifteen years old and have proven to be overly cumbersome for navigating specific urban environments. The request for new vehicles reflects a strategic shift towards more agile and appropriate transport that can better support effective community policing and rapid response.
Furthermore, the Cheyenne Police Department faces a significant challenge with its current storage solutions. Essential equipment and evidentiary materials are presently dispersed across four distinct locations, leading to inefficiencies in access and increased logistical complexities. This fragmented storage system highlights a critical need for consolidation to streamline operations and ensure the security of vital assets.
To remedy this, a proposal has been put forth for the construction of a centralized metal storage unit. This dedicated facility would provide ample space to consolidate all department equipment and stored items into one easily accessible and secure location. Such a strategic storage solution promises to enhance organizational efficiency, reduce response times, and free up valuable space currently used for disparate storage needs.
Discussions regarding the optimal placement for this new storage structure have identified an available parcel of land adjacent to the Fire Training Center, which is currently owned by Cheyenne Fire Rescue. Collaborative discussions with Chief Andrew Dykshorn have indicated a mutual understanding regarding the potential for this shared space to accommodate a new police facility, fostering inter-agency cooperation.
The city council has acknowledged these comprehensive requests, though concerns have been raised regarding the projected costs, with some members suggesting the need for more expansive budgeting to truly meet long-term needs. This perspective emphasizes the importance of future-proofing infrastructure investments to avoid recurrent issues and ensure the longevity of new facilities. The dialogue underscores the intricate balance between immediate requirements and sustainable city development planning.
These vital infrastructure investment proposals will undergo further deliberation by the city council at an unspecified future date. The council’s ultimate decision will determine whether these projects, crucial for Cheyenne’s law enforcement and public safety, will be included on the 2026 sixth-penny ballot, allowing the community to directly support these essential upgrades.
