The 10-month search for a new police substation for Christiansted will end on June 1 when officers move into a new building at the Bassin Triangle intersection.
Police officers have been covering Christiansted and the east end out of the Patrick Sweeney Headquarters in Golden Grove since last August when the department’s lease extension of the downtown Post Office building expired. Because the headquarters building is several miles from Christiansted, St. Croix Deputy Police Chief said the move will mean better service for residents in La Grande Princess all the way east to Point Udall.
"The most important thing is for us to cover the area and do it in a timely manner," Francis said. "We’re looking forward to returning to Christiansted."
The new leased building will house 45 to 50 officers on various shifts, Francis said. Work crews are currently removing an old underground storage tank from the area in front of the building while touch up work is being done inside.
Meanwhile, a space on Times Square donated to the department will continue to be used by downtown bicycle patrols, Francis said. The St. Croix Community Foundation donated the Times Square location several months ago and businesses and individuals kicked in $15,000 to equip and renovate it.
"We intend to maintain that for our bicycle unit," Francis said, "and for the time being as a sub-substation."
