Project Details
- Programmed funding: $9,123,377
- Appropriated funding: $9,123,377
- Project type: New facility construction/expansion
Description and Scope
This project will conduct a study and design to examine replacing the existing LETA. The new facility will be designed specifically to meet the latest state-of-theart training requirements of the Virginia Beach Police Department and Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office.
Instructional spaces in the replacement building will include dedicated VBPD and VBSO academy classrooms, as well as classrooms for ongoing training, a computer lab, and mock jail cell.
A large gymnasium, fitness facilities (cardio room, weight room), outdoor training area, and locker room with shower facilities will be included for physical training.
Additional spaces will include a personal storage room for students, an approximate 300-seat auditorium, an approximate 200-person multi-purpose room with catering kitchen, an armory, and storage for specialized equipment.
Administrative spaces in the facility will provide private and open office workstations and conference rooms for VBPD and VBSO staff.
Purpose and Need
The majority of required recruit and incumbent training for VBPD and VBSO occurs at the Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA), which is one of three separate training sites (Creeds Training Facility and a private facility in Moyock, N.C.) utilized as training sites for these two departments.
The building, constructed as an elementary school over 60 years ago, has outlived its useful life and is requiring increasingly more frequent and extensive maintenance and repairs. It is poorly insulated, and experiences leaks, flooding, water damage and mold issues, especially in heavy rains. The HVAC is antiquated and in need of replacement, which is estimated at over $1 million.
Other renovations needed at the facility include upgrading restrooms to fixtures designed for adults. The current building also lacks proper security measures and systems to protect the students, faculty, and staff.