Richmond police unveil long-awaited First Precinct building in Church Hill

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said he remembers being told, “Don’t worry, we’re getting a new building anytime now,” when he began working at the First Precinct in Church Hill 26 years ago.

“For decades, the officers have been told the same story that we're going to be working out of a new space,” he said.

The promises were finally fulfilled on Wednesday morning when Richmond officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony recognizing the opening of the newly constructed and relocated First Precinct building. 

Officials say the 20,000 square foot construction, which sits at 1711 Fairfield Way right in front of the Richmond City Justice Center, will better support the East End area that the precinct serves. Edwards described the $13.9 million building as a “welcoming space” to build trust between officers and residents, including those who come from neighborhoods that have historically “faced persistent challenges over the years for violent crime and poverty.”

“Not only are we going to open a new building today, but we're reaffirming a commitment to the people we serve, to the neighborhoods that define Richmond's East End and to the officers who show up everyday,” he said.  

The building also gives officers additional space and resources to respond quickly to incidents. Police said the former precinct headquarters at 2501 Q St. at the corner of North 25th Street, which they moved into in 1989, was small at 7,200 square feet and could not accommodate the precinct’s needs. 

The Richmond Police Department’s Community Band played “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond as visitors walked in for tours hosted by officers who admired their new amenities.

“You buy something new and expensive in The Sims and your Sim is really happy. That’s all of our officers right now,” said First Precinct Sgt. Bryan Ferreiras, referring to the video game. He added that the building is a morale boost for officers.

Among the new facilities at the headquarters are a bigger gym and break room for officers, a free public conference room for the community, a quiet room for officers to meditate or rest and a waiting room for visitors. 

The precinct’s expansion also allows for separate designated areas for victims and detainees, including an interview room near the entrance for sensitive conversations. 

At the old Q Street location, “the space was so small that it was very difficult for us to separate people,” said Ferreiras. 

The building is also neighbors with the city’s jail and the Oliver Hill Courts Building, which officers said helps expedite processing times for detainees. 

Odie Donald II, the city’s chief administrative officer, said that the building is part of Mayor Danny Avula’s vision for thriving neighborhoods, adding that, “Danny delivers.” 

In remarks at the ribbon cutting, he called the opening an “extraordinary day,” adding that the city doesn’t “always get the credit for great days like these.”

Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at vifatusin@richmonder.org