Cape Breton Regional Police headquarters nearly finished renovations

A million-dollar renovation at Cape Breton Regional Police headquarters in Sydney is wrapping up, according to Chief Peter MacIsaac. 

Police have been housed in the former County of Cape Breton municipal building since amalgamation in 1995. 

MacIsaac says the building was never intended to be a police station and needed a lot of improvements in the basement — where patrols officers were previously located — and on the first floor. Both areas have been gutted and rebuilt.

MacIsaac says officers are beginning to move to their new workstations. Patrol officers have moved to the first floor, the staff sergeant's office has been renovated. The domestic violence unit will be moving into its new office next week.

In addition, the chief says the criminal analyst is now located on the main floor and the traffic services section has been redone.

"It makes policing better," said MacIsaac, "They [officers] have the proper workstations. They have the proper work and flow functions, so they can all interact with one another to better meet and serve the needs of our public."

'Better flow'

MacIsaac said one of the keys elements of the project was to improve the public's access to police officers.

"The patrol section has moved from the basement to the first floor close to the public entrance," the chief said.

"Because of the work that they do, there's a lot of engagement with the public. They're going to be right here by the front door where people come in."

Patrol Sgt. Steve Ettinger said it's a much better situation for everyone.

"Well, it certainly gives us a fresher work area. Everything is brand spanking new. We're upstairs. I think it's better flow, being on the first floor."

The chief said one of the final touches will be a new lobby. He said, down the road, if more money becomes available, the police service hopes to expand the size of the building, with new additions to centralize some services.