09/02/2026
A Letter from Chief Massey
Guilford Community Members,
I write to you today to provide some additional details regarding the contemplated acquisition of 370 Church Street by the Town of Guilford and how this relates to the ongoing planning for our police headquarters facility and the overall public safety complex.
The current Guilford Police Department headquarters has been in service since 1996. As with any municipal building sustaining an around-the-clock operation for 30 years, the facility needs some significant repairs/renovations to sustain the current operation as well as ensure the department is prepared to adapt to future needs. I began working with department members and other Town Officials a few years ago on evaluating the current condition and long-term viability of this facility. Some of the needs identified in this process include, but are not limited to:
*Expansion of storage and garage space, including improvements to the existing sally port;
*Expansion of the women’s locker room to support the department’s growing number of female officers;
*Structural renovations such as a new roof and window replacements;
*Consideration of solar power implementation;
*Mechanical system improvements, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical;
*Enhanced site security;
*Additional space for evolving program needs, such as the Police Social Worker program and Traffic Safety initiatives;
*Increased parking facilities for department equipment, staff, and visitors accessing the public safety campus.
The evaluation of our current and future needs has involved consultation with an architectural firm familiar with the design and construction of public safety facilities, Silver Petrucelli & Associates. Silver Petrucelli & Associates conducted a comprehensive needs assessment study that identified approximately $19.9 million in potential renovation costs. Given the magnitude of this estimate, a follow-up programming study was requested to evaluate future departmental needs and provide a cost comparison between renovating the existing facility and constructing a new one. These studies continue to inform police department and Town officials as we continue to review options and determine the most fiscally responsible path forward. Neither study represents a formal plan currently before residents for a vote, and additional work will be required before any plan is presented for community consideration through referendum. Materials from both studies are available at guilfordpd. com.
The potential acquisition of 370 Church Street provides the Town with critical flexibility as research and planning continues. The property at 370 Church Street is strategically positioned adjacent to the public safety campus and gives us the ability to review potential options that did not exist on the current campus due to the limited space available. Residents are encouraged to visit guilfordpd. com to review materials related to police facility needs and attend the upcoming informational meeting to learn more about how this acquisition may support the future of public safety in our community. This process offers an important opportunity to understand long-term departmental needs and share questions or feedback with Town officials early in the planning stages. More important, this gives us the opportunity to hear from you.
Upcoming Meetings:
Informational Meeting - Thursday, September 3rd at 7pm - Location: Guilford High School
Town Meeting (Vote) - Tuesday, September 15th at 7pm - Location: Guilford High School
I want to thank you all for taking the time to participate in this important process. I also want to extend my appreciation to the Standing Building Committee, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Police Commissioners, Land Acquisition Committee, Finance Department, Facilities Department, and Silver Petrucelli & Associates for their ongoing work, guidance, and thoughtful contributions throughout this review process.
Sincerely,
Chief Chris Massey
Town of Guilford
