Desert Hot Springs Celebrates Grand Opening Of $7.26M Police Department Annex

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA — Desert Hot Springs celebrated the grand opening of a roughly $7.26 million police department annex Tuesday.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony began at 9 a.m. Tuesday at 65950 Pierson Blvd.

The ceremony was scheduled to feature a bagpipe performance by retired USMC Sgt. Joel Daniel, a presentation by the Desert Hot Springs High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Jerry Johnson Sr. of the Lily of the Valley Worship Center.

"This facility gives our officers and detectives more than additional space — it gives them greater capacity to serve," Police Chief Steve Shaw said in an earlier statement.

"Our mission remains where it has always been: out in neighborhoods, building relationships, earning trust and keeping people safe. As our community grows, this investment allows us to remain responsive, accessible and focused on the community policing that defines our department. The annex strengthens the team behind that mission," Shaw added.

The new facility is adjacent to the existing police department facility and will provide officers and other personnel with locker rooms, additional storage and parking, as well as a permanent home for detective operations. Detectives have operated in temporary facilities for more than 14 years.

Funding was provided by the city's public safety bond, the American Rescue Plan Act and development impact fees.

"A growing city cannot wait for tomorrow's needs to become today's problems. As Desert Hot Springs continues to grow, we have a responsibility to stay ahead of that growth and make the investments that protect the quality of life our residents value," Mayor Scott Matas said.