Community policing has long been a cornerstone of effective law enforcement, emphasizing collaboration between police, residents and community partners. As departments evolve to meet complex social challenges, many are taking this philosophy further—embedding social and behavioral health professionals within police operations and developing co-responder models that bring the right resources to people when and where they’re needed most. Drawing on recent projects and emerging national trends, this session examines the next step in that evolution: collocating community safety and social services directly within or alongside police facilities to create accessible, welcoming spaces for public engagement. By reimagining the “front door” of law enforcement, communities can provide early intervention, deliver supportive resources and build trust with residents who might otherwise hesitate to seek help. Attendees will leave with practical insights into how thoughtful planning and facility design can transform community-police relationships, create safer and more connected neighborhoods and improve outcomes for both residents and first responders.

As volunteer and combination fire departments adapt to evolving staffing models, increasing service demands and stricter health and safety standards, the design of rural and small-town fire stations is facing greater scrutiny than ever. Departments must now meet modern operational requirements within limited and often community-constrained budgets. This session will explore how small and rural communities can effectively right-size their fire stations—through renovation, expansion or new construction—to align with contemporary standards, while remaining adaptable for the future. Using case studies, attendees will learn how to scale this approach for smaller stations without compromising functionality. Attendees will also explore strategies for incorporating flexible spaces that can evolve alongside changes in department structure, such as shifts from all-volunteer to combination staffing models. The session will provide actionable insights into balancing health and safety goals with operational constraints. We will also address the significant challenge of securing community consensus and funding approval.

This interactive session is designed to bring clarity to the complex world of public safety facility planning. Three architects from leading firms specializing in fire station design have teamed up to create a practical, easy-to-follow flowchart that demystifies the entire process—from early planning and budgeting to design, funding and construction. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the idea of a new facility or already deep into planning, this session will meet you where you are and help you take the next confident step forward. Through case studies, decision-making checkpoints and an interactive discussion format, attendees will learn how to identify priorities, avoid common pitfalls and make informed choices that best serve both the department and the community. We’ll share insight into how to align your team, engage stakeholders and keep your project moving efficiently. Attendees will leave with a customized outline of actionable next steps to move your project forward. Participation and questions are encouraged!

Through an examination of recently undertaken addition and renovation of the City of Des Peres, Missouri, Public Safety headquarters, a combined law enforcement and fire / EMS agency and facility located in St. Louis County (Missouri), the Owner and Architect will relate their experiences and lessons learned. The presentation will focus on difficulties encountered, challenges overcome, and things they wish they’d have known before they started, all with an eye toward assisting other law enforcement and combined public safety agencies who may be considering a law enforcement building renovation project.

Volunteer fire departments have been the backbone of the U.S. for centuries. Most career departments were at one time volunteer departments. There comes a point in time when the volunteer department becomes a combination department, before completely becoming a career department. Some departments take the big leap of transitioning from volunteer to career without the intermediate step. If your department is anticipating the eventual transition, consideration needs to be given to any new station planning. A career station functions very differently from how a volunteer station does. Just some of the station elements that require consideration for the future transition include: site size and configuration to allow for facility expansion, accommodation for personal vehicles, limiting public access to the station, facilitating training and community activities, kitchen size and layout, and space for sleeping accommodations. This session will cover these considerations and more.

The RPD PSC was completed and ready for business on August 19th, 2024. Previously the building was a printing press newspaper facility still in business today known at the Reno Gazette journal. This building not only supports Police, but we have our records, front desk, Senior Axillary volunteers, and parking enforcement personnel. We also have many of the new and exciting technologies such as the Real Time Intelligence Center as well as our UAV systems known as the RAPTOR team.

*Pre-registration is required.

The HVAC system selection for your station needs to take more into account than simply the budget. It requires a nuanced approach that takes multiple factors into account. There are more system options on the market than ever before, and figuring out which one is right for your building requires a comprehensive deep dive. Adding to the complexity is the ever-changing code and political landscape. This session will cover the basics of indoor thermal comfort. It will explore the typical systems that are suitable for fire/police stations, including a few that might not have been on the list in the past. Each system has its pros and cons, which will be examined at a high level, including systems for both the building's clean zones and the apparatus bay. These include energy efficiency, fuel sources, zoning capabilities, noise transmission, maintenance, and equipment life. Furthermore, the data is invaluable for auditing and policy enforcement, such as identifying unauthorized access to restricted areas or tracking patterns of movement that may indicate a policy breach. The key takeaway for station designers and administrators is that the strategic placement of card readers is no longer just a security decision—it is a data-gathering and accountability decision. Thoughtful design that incorporates granular access control provides the objective data necessary to conduct thorough investigations, protect departmental assets, and ultimately uphold public trust.

This session’s intent is to demonstrate how to implement biophilic design principles and educate attendees on the importance of incorporating nature into their facilities. Public safety professionals are at high risk of stress-related illnesses. The re-introduction of nature in the daily activities of first responders through biophilic station design can mitigate feelings post-trauma and serve as therapy. We will talk about common stress-related issues plaguing the department and how biophilic station design can reduce those effects. Practical evidence and examples of biophilic station design will be explored in existing stations along with concepts for new facilities.

It has been said that an army marches on its stomach. This analogy holds true for the fire service as well. The responsibility of a kitchen is critical to the successful operation of a fire station. To be at their operational best, first responders must be well nourished—physically, emotionally and mentally. Beyond providing the calories needed to burn for a physically demanding profession, the kitchen space is an opportunity to foster a sense of community and support a culture of camaraderie that can fortify the relationships between those gathered around the table.

From departments operating out of a single station to the FDNY operating out of 224 stations, the optimal solution for each department’s turnout gear decontamination model varies widely. This seminar will examine all the current solutions available for proper, NFPA-compliant PPE decontamination models. From in-station washer-extractor/dryer solutions to multi-station municipal decontamination facilities, this presentation will cover the space needed, the funding required, and the ability for growth of all the available solutions. We will review in detail: Sizes and layouts of all solutions; the impact to station operational spaces and red/yellow/green zones; decontamination equipment models, uses, types, benefits and requirements; upfront and yearly maintenance costs; and the ability to change and grow with the station and the department.

Building or renovating a station is one of the biggest investments a city will make. Yet many projects run into delays, redesigns and cost overruns because key decisions were not made early enough. This session will give public safety leadership and city administrators a simple roadmap for how to prepare before design even begins. We’ll walk through the most common questions you’ll face—staff projections, equipment needs, community expectations and future growth—and show how answering them up front saves time and money later. Using real examples from recent police, fire and shared facilities, we’ll highlight mistakes to avoid and simple steps that set projects up for success. Attendees will leave with a practical checklist they can take back to their departments to guide conversations with councils, finance departments, and design teams.

Explore how AI-driven security and technology solutions are transforming public safety design in EOC and dispatch rooms. From AI and drones to advanced security systems and fire alerting, this session will cover how to create smarter, safer and more resilient public safety environments. We will share exclusive insights into cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of emergency response. The presentation will discuss real-world examples of public safety security risks that commonly happen in fire and police departments across the country. We’ll also cover the role of a security consultant when building a new public safety facility. Common concerns when thinking about security are budgeting for state-of-the-art technology and security measures needed for a fire station as opposed to a police station. We’ll compare different technologies to help attendees understand how to build an affordable and efficient security plan.

The global market is beginning to shift to electric vehicles, net-zero buildings, technology-heavy systems, biophilic design and other forward-thinking ideas for a world responding to climate change, the health and well-being of responders, and advanced IT. We will utilize fire, police and public safety facilities to illustrate some of these trends. These future projects will be dealing with new local codes and ordinances, yet to be invented systems and infrastructure and innovative designs and materials. Will drones and robots become common apparatus? Will biometrics become the new standard for measuring the health and well-being of responders? How will advanced AI protect law enforcement? How can we begin to incorporate these ideas and equipment into new public safety designs and retrofit existing facilities to be prepared for future design?

Planning a public safety station project can be a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. This presentation will introduce attendees to the foundational components necessary for the planning, design and construction of their fire or police station. We will cover critical issues, including: planning and building the station to stand the test of time, the evolution of public safety design and recent trends, selecting the design team, and pitfalls to avoid during the project. This lively session will provide attendees with a solid foundation of knowledge that will prepare them for the wide-ranging presentations at the conference.

Building a new police station or remodeling an old facility can be a very daunting assignment. The modern police station is a highly complex facility with intensive space needs for people and equipment. How do you begin to navigate and address the different operational needs of patrol, investigations, records, booking and the evidence warehouse (among others)? How do you begin to understand and prioritize these challenging demands and security issues? Operations-based design is a roadmap for designing a station that is responsive to your department, a safe and secure work environment for personnel and effective for the community that the facility serves.

This session will delve into the critical role that a well-thought-out program of requirements plays in the success of any fire station project. Before any concepts are drawn, sites selected or budgets prepared, a solid program is the foundation that sets the entire project up for success. Whether you’re designing your first station or planning department-wide renovations, this session will show how effective programming can define facility size, determine individual space requirements and shape the project budget. We will share real-world examples and trends that are seen in from various departments offering insights into optimizing building size, functionality and firefighter safety.

This session will walk attendees through the primary funding and financing mechanisms available for public safety facility projects, including general obligation bonds, federal and state grants, public-private partnerships (P3) and municipal capital improvement program (CIP) budgets. Using real-world examples, the session will explore the advantages, limitations and strategies behind each option. Attendees will learn how to align their project goals with the most effective funding strategy, communicate with stakeholders to build support and maximize opportunities for blended funding. The session will also address common challenges such as community buy-in, political considerations and timing of elections or budget cycles. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with a toolkit for navigating the financial landscape of fire station and public safety building projects.

A comprehensive review of the site selection, funding, design, construction and operation of four new replacement fire stations for the City of Middletown Division of Fire, OH, completed in October 2025. This presentation will cover: the different strategies to consider when designing a multiple building replacement project, the advantages and disadvantages of using a design prototype station that is intended to be replicated multiple times, the benefits of using virtual reality as an effective tool to illustrate the design intent, and the strategies the city and fire department employed to gain public support to pass a funding levy. We'll cover site selection and procurement; tax levy funding strategies; architect selection; programming and design objectives; construction strategy; designing for response times, decon areas and firefighter wellbeing; and construction challenges and successes.

This session presents City of Anaheim Emergency Management’s multi-year effort to transform an existing facility into a fully functional emergency operations center (EOC), emphasizing adaptive reuse rather than new construction. We will examine the strategic and practical considerations involved in renovating an occupied space while maintaining operational readiness, controlling costs and aligning design decisions with emergency management requirements. Attendees will gain insight into how Anaheim collaborated with internal city departments—public works, finance, IT and public safety—as well as external designers, contractors and vendors. These partnerships were critical to coordinating planning, procurement and phased execution over the life of the project. The session also addresses how FEMA procurement standards and grant compliance requirements influenced timelines, scopes of work and construction decisions, offering examples of the challenges and solutions. Although the EOC renovation is still in progress, Anaheim Emergency Management has compiled a substantial set of lessons learned from this long-term effort. Insights will help attendees anticipate constraints, avoid common pitfalls and apply best practices when planning, funding and delivering resilient emergency and public safety facilities.

The Waconia fire station is the culmination of a detailed needs assessment and planning study that redefined how a fast-growing Minnesota community supports its emergency services. The Waconia Fire Department is a paid-on-call department. This new station was designed to support the department’s evolution to a career department. What began as a comprehensive operational and space needs analysis evolved into a state-of-the-art, 31,000-square-foot facility designed for both performance and longevity. Through the case study of the Waconia fire station, attendees will gain insight into the critical link between pre-design planning and architectural execution. We’ll cover how data, stakeholder engagement and design innovation merged to create a high-performing station that reflects Waconia’s civic pride and operational needs for decades to come.

As the saying goes, “the devil is in the details.” Careful planning consideration coupled with meticulous execution of the details for high-security and high-risk spaces such as evidence storage areas, holding cells, interview spaces and sally ports can make or break your police facility project. This presentation will dive into managing and maintaining sight and sound separation, securing evidence safely, and mitigating the risk of detainees injuring officers or themselves while in custody. Additional focus areas will include interview rooms, armories and K-9 housing.

The City of Lacey, WA, is home to approximately 58,000 people, with growth anticipated to reach 75,000 by 2035. The new police station will meet the needs of the city’s full service law enforcement agency for the next 30-40 years. The new construction of a 62,000-square-foot Lacey Police Station and Training Facility is a high-profile project within the surrounding community and beyond. To bring this project to fruition, the City of Lacey and KMB architects worked with the neighbors, gave transparency to the community and monitored overall project costs to ensure the full scope of work was constructed. Efficiency in building and site design, cost effective construction materials and a solid bidding environment were vital to the successful funding of a regional training facility in addition to the police station.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the design landscape, especially in the realm of public safety facilities, where efficiency, precision and adaptability are mission-critical. This session explores how AI is redefining the way architects and planners design, analyze and deliver fire stations. Attendees will discover how AI-driven tools are streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks and unlocking new opportunities for creativity and innovation. From data-informed site selection and apparatus bay optimization to predictive modeling for station response times and energy performance, AI is enabling teams to design smarter, faster and more responsively than ever before. The session also explores ethical considerations, data quality and the importance of human judgment in applying AI responsibly within mission-driven environments. Looking ahead, participants will gain a glimpse into AI’s potential to further transform public safety design.

The Drones as First Responders (DFR) program represents a transformative step in public safety operations, redefining how emergency services respond to incidents. By deploying drones immediately after 911 calls, agencies can gain real-time situational awareness before crews arrive on scene. This innovation reduces response times, enhances operational safety and provides critical data to decision-makers. For the fire service, the integration of drone technology is not only reshaping emergency response but also influencing how future fire stations are designed, equipped and operated. The integration of DFR capabilities in a station introduces a new operational layer—requiring dedicated infrastructure for drone operations, storage and maintenance. This presentation will cover the physical and technological considerations for DFR. Ultimately, the DFR program symbolizes the next evolution of public safety infrastructure. As drones become standard tools of emergency response, fire station design will transition toward smarter, more connected and technology-integrated facilities—capable of supporting both traditional fire operations and the next generation of aerial response capabilities.

You have a dire need to replace or reconstruct your station. Your board and community ask what it will cost—and don’t come back later with additional costs you did not consider! In this workshop we will provide and review a checklist of costs from site preparation through occupancy gleaned from over three dozen stations completed. We’ll include environmental/remediation considerations; temporary facilities; professional fees and permit reviews; administration/management/inspection; furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E); and construction and occupancy. We will discuss cost management, savings strategies, lessons learned, regional differences and cost escalation.

Selecting the right site for a new fire station is one of the most consequential decisions a department can make. In today’s conditions of rising property costs, limited availability in response-critical areas and growing environmental and community constraints, many departments are forced to make compromises. This session provides a comprehensive, step-by-step framework and checklist for firehouse site selection, from conducting a community-wide needs assessment to performing detailed evaluations of individual sites. Participants will learn the three nationally recognized methods for measuring response times, and discover how to apply these tools effectively in both established and developing communities. Through case studies, we will examine 25 key site characteristics to assess before purchasing or accepting “free” property. Attendees will also learn which challenges can be mitigated through design and which represent true deal breakers that cannot be overcome. Attendees will leave with the knowledge and tools to identify, evaluate, and communicate the value of potential sites with confidence.

This course examines the planning and design requirements for modern law enforcement firing ranges, with an emphasis on safety, cost-effective operations and adaptability across training disciplines. Participants will learn how to translate operational needs into range layout, ballistic containment, ventilation, noise mitigation and environmental compliance, while considering the budget, site constraints and community considerations. The course covers design standards and best practices for both indoor and outdoor ranges. A major focus is on integrating emerging technologies—simulators, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), interactive target systems, movable barrier systems and smart-weapon diagnostics—to extend training capability, reduce live-fire costs and improve performance measurement. The session also addresses multi-program adaptability: configuring ranges for basic marksmanship, tactical team exercises, judgmental shooting, low-light/flashlight training, less-lethal munitions and de-escalation scenarios.

As local governments around the country face more constrained budgets, their need for suitable public safety facilities remains the same. Multi-agency (fire, law enforcement, city hall, etc.) facilities have increased in popularity due to their potential for cost savings. This session will cover the process of designing a facility that not only houses multiple agencies but does so successfully. Through sensible design, shared/non-shared spaces and controlled access, a combined facility can be a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to a local government’s facility needs.

In an ever-increasingly connected society, processing big data (extremely large, complex datasets that grow exponentially and overwhelm traditional data processing tools) available to police departments has become a monumental task. A real time crime center, implemented correctly, can be a force multiplier. Keys to successful implementation include understanding the operational processes of the department, leveraging technology that is flexible, being able to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence and designing a space that is functional and efficient. In this presentation we will cover: Taking in the massive amount of data (911 calls, CCTV cameras, body cameras, helicopter cameras, social media, news). We’ll also define the challenges faced in striving to see the whole picture, disseminating the information and reacting to real-time changes in the field. We’ll discuss all aspects of designing a real-time crime center, from determining spatial needs and layout to developing a flexible, expandable and adaptable content sharing network. We will also present a case study on the Orlando Police Department, FL, and how they enhanced capabilities with new systems and accommodated for future technology implementation.

This presentation explores practical approaches to handling construction site incidents, focusing on education, contract management and relationship building. Attendees will learn how to prepare for and manage conflicts, operate within contract parameters and effectively exercise their rights and remedies. The session features a detailed case study of South Metro Fire Rescue’s Fire Station 15 project, where defective structural masonry work necessitated the demolition and reconstruction of all installed concrete masonry units (CMU). This case study underscores the importance of adhering to established protocols, prioritizing corrective action and knowing when and whom to involve in incident resolution. The presentation emphasizes maintaining focus on key issues, managing relationships effectively and utilizing options such as third-party testing to control outcomes and minimize distractions.

This presentation focuses on the fundamentals of how to navigate through construction drawings and specifications. Drawing nomenclature, symbols and endless acronyms can make drawings and specifications seem like a different language. The objective of the presentation focuses on introducing and familiarizing you with the different types of construction documents, how drawings are organized, how to navigate through them and what basic drawings, legends, notes and schedules mean to you as the client. With a knowledge of how to navigate and understand construction documents, you will be left with the time and capacity to review and provide input on your project’s documents where it most matters.

This dynamic session will tackle the traditionally boring but incredibly important topic of cost control. Not all square footage is created equal, and public safety facilities are typically one of the most expensive building types to construct and maintain in any municipality portfolio. We will delve into critical cost drivers for fire stations and review the tools, strategies, resources and delivery methods that can be used to keep your project on track and on budget from start to completion. We'll cover key aspects such as detailed initial cost estimates, regular financial monitoring, stringent contractor oversight and the adoption of value engineering principles.

When the City of Phoenix chose to relocate its police headquarters into a 27-story former financial tower in the heart of downtown, it became one of the most complex public safety adaptive reuse efforts in the country. This session tells the story behind that transformation, what drove the decision, why adaptive reuse was selected over new construction, and what it truly takes to convert a commercial high-rise into a secure, mission-ready law enforcement facility for 1,500 sworn and professional staff. This presentation highlights the real benefits and real challenges of adaptive reuse in public safety design. Benefits include accelerated delivery timelines, urban revitalization, sustainability advantages through embodied carbon retention and cost efficiency by leveraging existing structure and location. But reuse of a 50-year-old building also brought major challenges: retrofitting secure circulation in a public tower, replacing outdated mechanical infrastructure, addressing life-safety code triggers, abating hazardous materials and protecting operational continuity during phased construction in a dense urban environment. This session delivers practical insight—what worked, what didn’t, and what every agency and design team should evaluate before committing to adaptive reuse as a project strategy.

Eight years ago, the Town of Auburn, MA, began a public safety facilities master plan. The initial plan called for a combined public safety facility, but with a relatively new police station already in place and growing concerns over cost, the town recognized the need to listen more closely to its community. Guided by strong leadership, Auburn’s Fire Department and Building Committee invited feedback, responded transparently and leveraged a mix of engagement tools to gather input and share progress with the community. The conversation evolved from debate to collaboration, resulting in a new fire headquarters, now in design, that meets the department’s operational needs while embodying the community’s vision for public safety. This session will explore how responsive leadership, proactive communication and strategic use of engagement tools can move complex municipal projects forward—even in the face of early resistance.

Come TOUCH and FEEL all kinds of building materials and hear about the pros and cons of each. We will show you installation images and tell you what to be mindful of. With so many new materials on the market, what are the maintenance protocols for various products? How will these various materials affect the feel of the environment? What will it do to the sound in the space? How do these different materials fit into your budget?

NFPA 1400: Standard on Fire Service Training is a new standard that combines and updates NFPA's existing standards 1402, 1403, 1404, 1407, 1408, 1410, and 1451. Not only does it consolidate those previous standards into one document, but its revisions impact all fire training operations and facilities, including facilities and props located at fire stations. The facilities portion of NFPA 1400 (formerly NFPA 1402) was made a standard in 2019 to create new, minimum requirements for all training facilities. It has been updated again for the 2026 edition, impacting new designs while also being retroactive to all existing training facilities. Examples will be given of live fire training structures (burn buildings), drill towers and technical rescue props, including props built into fire stations that need modifications to remain in compliance with NFPA 1400. The operational portion of NFPA 1400 has also been updated, including the portion on live fire training (formerly NFPA 1403), and new chapters on technical rescue training and hazmat training were added.

This session challenges the traditional view of fire station design and introduces next-generation strategies that transform stations into facilities that foster long-term wellbeing. From spaces that promote decompression and solitude to environments that integrate nature, connection and mental health support, these approaches reimagine the station not just as a workplace, but as a setting that actively contributes to recovery, retention and personal resilience. Building upon RRM Design Group’s Design4Life philosophy—traditionally focused on hot zones and contamination control, we’ll explore how this mindset is expanding to encompass the whole firefighter experience. Architectural design decisions can reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and carcinogens while also shaping spaces that safeguard health and foster wellness. Attendees will gain practical insight into how thoughtful layouts and workflows can both protect long-term wellbeing and enhance day-to-day life in the station, whether in a new build project or a renovation.

Trauma-informed design is an approach that integrates into the built environment an understanding of the psychological, emotional and physiological effects of high stress or crisis situations. This type of design can help provide healthier environments for the public safety staff, as well as the public. Trauma-informed design can transform public safety facilities (police stations, fire stations, emergency shelters, 911 communications centers and emergency operations centers) into spaces of resilience, empathy and healing—aligning the built environment with social well-being and justice while bolstering the relationship between public safety workers and the public. This presentation will cover: Passive and active solutions for designing environments that help provide comfort and refuge for people during stressful times; providing calming and restorative environments for the public safety community, helping to relieve unnecessary stress during demanding situations; and building healthy relationships and trust between the public safety community and the public.

This session will focus on strategies to develop practical and functional apparatus bays and support spaces for operational efficiency and training. We’ll cover how apparatus bays have evolved over the years and what factors now drive their cost. We will review a detailed overview of spatial requirements, lighting, mechanical systems, vehicle exhaust systems, fire protection, structural conditions, door operations and apparatus clearances. The seminar will also review the development of electric apparatus and how the advent of this technology will influence the design of stations for generations to come. Additional information will be reviewed for associated support spaces to ensure departments provide hygienic first responders conditions.

In the world of law enforcement, evidence is the backbone of any investigation. That’s why property-evidence room design is so important. From interior finishes to locks and storage solutions, every detail must be considered. With the right design, your department can ensure that evidence is secured and your employees are safe. Whether you’re designing a brand new property room or updating an existing one, careful consideration and planning are essential to success.

Public safety personnel spend endless hours preparing and training for planned and emergency events such as inclement weather, public unrest, protests, terrorist acts and special events. Each year, there is an increasing volume of EOC activations. This presentation will explore EOC activation triggers and the design considerations that support facilities readiness during EOC activations of various scales and complexities. While these facilities are required to be hardened as essential facilities, there does not need to be a loss in aesthetics or indoor environmental quality After experiencing a very active hurricane season in 2024, many of these activations may be fresh in attendees’ minds. This presentation will address the most recent complications and challenges created by these storms and how we have learned from them.

Even at a station with a moderate call volume, the 24- or 48-hour shift schedule means that sleep deprivation becomes an issue for most firefighters over their career. The first portions of this call-to-action will cover the sobering new science on sleep deprivation in first responders. It will include a review of the serious long-term impacts on physical health and the more immediate impact on teamwork, aggression and mental effectiveness. The bulk of the session will discuss key barriers to effective sleep and discuss specific ways the fire service can improve its response to this issue through policy changes and through architecture, both in new construction and renovation projects.

This presentation will dive into the practical realities of accomplishing well-being goals for law enforcement staff who are continuously exposed to high-stress situations. We will cover the six dimensions of wellness and their impact on law enforcement, as well as common spaces and design considerations that are used to help define and elevate how wellbeing can be addressed. We will also talk through the process of introducing wellness design into different project types for a variety of different policing contexts. We will share our lived experience in helping project decision-makers understand the strategies that designers and architects can use to alleviate the challenge of compounding stress and trauma. Examples include biophilic design, daylighting, natural ventilation, intuitive wayfinding, physical and passive security, acoustic control and other approaches that are proven to support mental health.

The safety and decontamination of firefighters, their PPE, vehicles and equipment is a grave concern. New protocols at the fireground to remove contaminants are essential, but they don’t complete the job. To be most effective, a thorough decon process must continue back at the station when the responders and equipment return. Designing a proper decon laundry that is compliant with NFPA 1851 guidelines and builds on results from current research is crucial to the health and safety of returning firefighters and to everyone back at the station. Find out what you need in addition to your washer/extractor to have a proper decon laundry and a healthier station. Using 3D and walk-through models, attendees will see a variety of facilities that treat decon as a flow-through process moving from dirty to clean. The models range in scale from large central stations to small substations, as well as renovations where the process needs to be shoehorned into existing space.

We know that firefighters are exposed to significant hazards when responding to emergencies, and that those hazards impact the physical, mental and emotional health of our first responders. What would it take to build a station that was designed to reduce the employees’ exposure and provide a safe space for wellness, rest and decompression? In this session we'll look at Boise Fire Station #13 as a case study in clean public safety building practices. We’ll discuss station design with a focus on firefighter health and wellness; reducing exposure to carcinogens and infectious diseases; occupational hazards; and having a safe place for wellness, rest and decompression. It is the goal of the Boise Fire Department to have healthy firefighters for the duration of their career and beyond.

Every department planning a new facility should make a goal of designing one that will last 75 years or longer. It is equally important that this facility requires as little repair and upkeep as possible during its lifespan. However, limited budgets are the single largest controlling factor in what you will be able to build. This session will explore the methods and options successfully used by many departments to plan and build a functional, durable, low-maintenance facility without busting the budget. We will explore several ways in which you can design and build a facility that is as maintenance-free and long lasting as possible. We will look in-depth at various design considerations for the facility including site components, exterior building options and interior building choices, while also considering how you can plan a flexible design for future station growth. Finally, we will discuss building systems and materials that can stand the heavy use and abuse of first responders.

Across the country, aging facilities are being pushed to their limits. Many were built decades ago, long before modern apparatus, essential building standards, health and safety standards, gender equity and energy efficiency were part of the conversation. So, when your station starts showing its age, the big question is—do you fix it…or start over? This session will teach you how to decide between renovating, rebuilding or relocating your facility. From uncovering what’s really hiding behind the walls to understanding structural limitations, design opportunities and the true cost implications of each option, this team will share how to make the smartest investment for your department’s future. With lessons learned from real projects, this session will help you balance budget, complexity and community needs to make confident decisions that stand the test of time.

The Montgomery County District 6 police station in Gaithersburg, MD, sets a new benchmark for sustainable public safety design. As the county’s first net-zero energy police facility, this 30,000-square-foot station demonstrates that operational resilience, occupant wellness and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand. The station’s design integrates on-site photovoltaic arrays, air source heat pumps, high-performance building envelope and advanced daylighting strategies to achieve net-zero performance. Functionally, the design supports 24/7 operations with a two-level parking structure for the department’s motorcade, secure evidence and detention areas and staff wellness amenities. The project strengthens community relations through a welcoming civic presence, a public lobby and community meeting room, and landscape elements that connect to the surrounding Gaithersburg neighborhood.

As fire departments move toward electric fire engines and fleet vehicles, station infrastructure must evolve to meet new power, charging and safety demands. This session offers practical insights into planning, budgeting and designing facilities that support EV integration. Learn how to assess electrical capacity, select charging equipment and prepare bays and maintenance areas for electric apparatus. With examples from recent projects, attendees will gain strategies for coordinating with utilities, future-proofing infrastructure and maintaining operational readiness as the fire service enters the EV era.

Beyond the public facing fire and police stations that get all the attention, the behind-the-scenes facilities and program components that keep both small and large organizations running are often overlooked and underfunded. This seminar will focus on the non-public programmatic elements and facilities related to fleet maintenance and logistics that keep operations working. We will cover: having maintenance and logistics facilities within your organization versus being dependent on someone else, whether onsite facilities should be attached or detached, and using off-site departmental or regional facilities. Understanding the programmatic scope of these facilities and decision points when considering how best to support your department is critical. We will explore examples of large and small support facilities and the issues that could surface during the process. Spokane County Fire District 9, WA, Chief Matthew Vinci will also share his organization’s process to develop a capital facilities plan with training, logistics, fleet maintenance and administration components to ensure that his department is well supported.

This seminar will tackle the questions of why and how to incorporate public art in your public safety facility project. We will look at how art can amplify a public safety organization’s connection to their community. We will survey public art case studies across a wide range of facilities, communities, visions, styles and media. We will review the importance of clear construction drawings and specifications for the artist and contractor responsibilities. We’ll examine team member responsibilities and present methods for setting a budget and building a schedule. We will discuss assembling an artist selection committee and setting a vison and goals to ensure the selected art concept is a success for your organization and your community.

This introductory course provides police and fire officials with a practical understanding of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and its application in the planning, design and operation of public safety facilities. CPTED is a proactive approach that uses environmental design to reduce crime, enhance security and improve the efficiency and safety of critical infrastructure. Participants will explore how facility layout, access control, visibility and maintenance directly affect the safety of personnel, visitors and assets. We’ll cover the four core CPTED principles—natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement and maintenance--and how they can be applied within the unique context of public safety facilities. Through case studies, attendees will learn how thoughtful facility design can deter unauthorized access, protect sensitive areas and improve situational awareness during daily operations and emergency response. The session will also highlight design considerations that balance openness to the public with operational security, as well as strategies for reducing vandalism, theft and other preventable incidents.