Construction of a security fence at the San Diego Police Department’s (SDPD) Headquarters in Downtown is set to begin this week. Following years of planning, crews are beginning work this week on the physical installation of the fence.

The project is intended to align security measures at SDPD Headquarters with those at other SDPD facilities and to protect critical public safety operations housed in the building. SDPD Headquarters experiences frequent vandalism, disturbances, trespassing, and, recently, had an employee assaulted in the parking lot.

Construction is expected to last several months, with limited impact on public access. Headquarters is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. There may be minor impacts to parking around the building during the construction.

The design features high-security fencing standing eight to 10 feet tall, encircling the building. To comply with public park space in front of headquarters, the outer gates will allow public entry to the grass and public spaces along Broadway and will remain open 24/7, but can be closed when security needs arise. The main Broadway entrance will also remain open to the public during business hours, while employee-only zones, the E Street walkway, and the main parking lot will transition to secure key-card access.

The project has been discussed since about 2018 and was requested as a Capital Improvement Program Project. The design was completed in May 2022, with construction kicking off this week. The project is anticipated to cost $3.01 million, which includes design, materials, permits and construction costs.