California is on track to get something similar to Atlanta's "Cop City."
A controversial $43.6 million law enforcement regional training center and police headquarters are set to be constructed in San Pablo, a low-income, predominantly Hispanic community in West Contra Costa County. Despite being the most policed city in the county per capita, the project has faced growing opposition from those who believe the funds should be used for community-based initiatives instead of further militarizing the city.
The proposed 42,000-square-foot facility is designed to attract law enforcement agencies from the Bay Area and offer various amenities, including a drone work area, virtual reality simulator, training classrooms, fitness rooms, police dog kennels, and an indoor shooting range. Proponents argue that the new complex will provide modern training opportunities and bring much-needed business revenue to San Pablo.
The project's $43.6 million price tag has drawn scrutiny, considering the city's median household income, and it's equivalent to a significant portion of the city's annual spending. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025, aligning with similar developments in the Bay Area and across the country as law enforcement agencies invest in controversial training complexes.
A rally and protest against the project have been organized, with demonstrators expressing concerns about the potential for increased violence and the impact of militarized police training programs on community policing. San Pablo's police department argues that the new facility will help them better serve the community and address rising crime concerns.
Opponents, including activists from organizations like the Anti-Police-Terror Project, criticize the project as a "police playground" and believe that investing in community needs like housing, jobs, healthcare, and social services would be more effective in reducing crime.
Link: East Bay Times