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.