Gahanna's police division now operates from a single building for the first time in years, reuniting officers and 911 dispatchers who had worked in separate locations and gaining tools the old headquarters at 460 Rocky Fork Blvd. could never accommodate.

The Gahanna Division of Police completed its move to the new Civic Center at 825 Tech Center Drive on Aug. 17, according to the City of Gahanna. The facility consolidates police headquarters, City Hall and the Senior Center under one roof in what city officials have called the largest facilities project in Gahanna's history.

The changes go beyond a new address.

Dispatch and officers, reunited

The 911 Communications Center had been housed at 400 West Johnstown Road, separate from patrol officers and detectives. That physical gap forced dispatchers and officers to rely entirely on radio contact rather than face-to-face coordination, according to a CityScene Magazine article authored by the city's communications manager.

"When we were in the same building, we had better communication versus everything being over the radio," said communications technician II Amber Ramsey in the city-produced piece. "It will be a relief to be back in the same building, to have that personal relationship and know them as officers, not just badge numbers."

911 Communications Center manager Angie Collins said in the same article that co-location will improve clarity and speed up information sharing between the first 911 call and an officer arriving on scene.

VR training and debrief space

The new headquarters includes virtual reality training systems that let officers practice scenarios on-site. Chief Jeff Spence, who joined the division in 1992 when it had about 30 employees, said in the CityScene piece that the VR environment allows the department to simulate situations officers encounter and ones they rarely face, helping produce more well-rounded officers. The division has since grown to more than 90 staff members.

Previously, officers had to travel off-site for specialized training, creating scheduling conflicts across shifts. The building also includes dedicated debrief rooms where supervisors can review incidents and training exercises while details are still fresh.

Safe room, victim services and drug drop-off

The police lobby now features a 24/7 monitored safe room for anyone fleeing immediate danger, whether from domestic violence, stalking or road rage. Once the door closes, only an officer can reopen it.

Dedicated private rooms in the lobby give victims a place to report crimes without being overheard. Chief Spence said the old building had no space for private conversations or sensitive report-taking.

The facility also adds a prescription drug drop-off bin, a service the division previously lacked because of space and security limitations at the former headquarters.

Technology upgrades ahead of state mandates

Chief Spence said the Civic Center's timing allowed Gahanna to get ahead of state-mandated changes to radio and 911 technology, positioning the division at the forefront of the transition.

The project faced delays after the electrical subcontractor failed and was terminated, pushing the original November 2025 completion date to mid-July 2026, according to Gahanna City Council minutes from May 18. Construction manager Elford accepted full responsibility for the additional costs and delays.

Ribbon cutting Aug. 25

The public can tour the Civic Center at the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on Aug. 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 825 Tech Center Drive.