Plans turned in for new Law Enforcement Training Center

Four real estate and development companies have submitted plans for a new training center for local law enforcement and emergency responders.

It’s another step in a longstanding effort to move law enforcement training out of an aging, former elementary school on West 37th Street North.

Sedgwick County received 13 responses in late November from companies that were sent a request for proposals in August. Only four responses included detailed plans to house the new center.

About the center

It’s mainly used to train Wichita police officers and Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies. Emergency responders can also receive training there.

The center has been housed at a former elementary school since 1985. The building at 2235 W. 37th St. North was built in 1958.

The background

County and city officials have long wanted a replacement for a building considered old and insufficient for law enforcement.

Some wanted a training center that could also serve federal and state law enforcement. The county has backed off some options for the center because of concerns over cost.

Who responded

Thirteen companies responded; it’s unclear which submitted full proposals. That could be publicly available later in the process. The companies are:

▪ J.P. Weigand & Sons

▪ MWCB

▪ Webb Business Park

▪ Coates Field Service

▪ Crotts Commercial Real Estate

▪ Equity Commercial Real Estate

▪ H.C. Peck & Associates

▪ OnPoint Property Group

▪ Real Estate Resources

▪ Sandlian Realty

▪ Theurer Auction/Realty

▪ Vantage Point Properties

▪ Commer Center

Possible options

The county is open to buying or renting property for the training center. And it’s open to options it previously has considered.

Using space at the Kansas National Guard’s Heartland Preparedness Center at K-96 and I-135 or remodeling Wichita Southeast High School, which will vacate its building after this school year, could still be options.

Not an option

The county said in its request it would also consider a plan that would modify the shuttered Judge Riddel Boys Ranch, a Lake Afton residential facility for youth offenders. Sedgwick County closed the ranch last year but still owns the property.

But facilities director Steve Claassen said none of the four companies submitted a proposal based on using the ranch.

Chairman Richard Ranzau said that means the county will need to look at other groups who have expressed some interest in the facility at 25331 W. 39th St. South.

What’s next

Claassen said he will review the proposals with senior officials from the Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, city financial staff and county financial staff members.

The contract negotiation process could last until spring. The city and county hope to vote on a final contract in late March and early April, respectively.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 7:17 AM with the headline "Plans turned in for new Law Enforcement Training Center."