NPPD admin is at it again, asking the commission to approve a120 million dollar new HQ. They state the present HQ referred to as the castle is to small for the 130 member force and more room is needed. The castle is centrally located and is Walkin accessible if needed. reason #1, no room for evidence and impounds etc, reason #2 not up to standards for the rank and file, lockers, showers, fitness etc. Reason#3 read carefully, NPPD admin anticipates that in the year 2074 (yes 50 yrs from now) they will have a force of 650 officers. My reply in 50 yrs wont the new bldg be obsolete ??? The castle is more than adequate for the present force, maybe a little dated but certainly enough room and there is room to add on if needed. Have u driven by and seen the intentional deterioration of this bldg, Definitely needs a roof. Here's he skinny, Venice PD, SCCO and CCSO all have recently built new stations way under the cost NPPD wants, called keeping up with the jones. We as taxpayers are being fleeced, we all support the blue, but at what cost. They complained the ford explores were to small, (a six person veh) and only one officer inside, so the city purchased 60 Chevy Tahoes, at about 75 grand each, equipped, then they purchased 6 Ford F150 crew cab pickups and several dodge durangos, which are smaller than the explorers, total waste of money. we are talking millions and millions of dollars here. The proposed new station located on toledo and tropicare will be on the far end of the city, referred to as the boonies, adding at least another 15 mins response time to 41, the lot has already been purchased and cleared. Except for day shift at most times there are 6-10 officers on the road plus the dispatchers inside, on days admin and detectives also. Plenty of room for everyone. This in addition to the new west villages station and the North Port blvd station. NPPD officers, if they want can make 100 grand plus a year, along with their new vehicles, most live outside the city and we pay the freight. By NPPD own admission states 70 percent of all crime is traffic related. How many of us the taxpayers make this kind of money, we are struggleing with bills, groceries etc. Now after getting the west end station they want another new HQ. I support the blue, but enough is enough, the commission needs to tighten the reins and tell NPPD to do you job with what you have, we can no longer afford the luxuries we have given the NPPD. There will be tax increases, sales tax increases etc. Make no mistake we as the taxpayers will pay for this
