Under construction for several years, the Midlothian Public Safety Facility is finally a reality

MIDLOTHIAN – The Midlothian Police Department has finally made it to its new home.

It is Midlothian’s Public Safety Facility overall, and the building also houses the city’s Municipal Court.

Under construction since 2023, the Public Safety Facility was approved by voters in 2021.

Last Monday, the move-in began.

“Here we stand at the gateway of our city to acknowledge a new public safety center that is going to be a prime spot in our city,” Midlothian Mayor Justin Coffman said on the big day.

“It’s a legacy facility, not the legacy of mine or former Mayor Reno or any board members or council members – it is the legacy of our community.”

The first floor of the building houses Community Services – handling permitting functions such as garage sale permits, solicitor permits, temporary sign permits, permanent and temporary food establishment permits, and permits for mobile and cottage food vendors.

The first floor of the new facility will also be home to the Code Enforcement Department, responsible for ensuring compliance with laws, ordinances, and regulations related to public health, safety, and property maintenance.

The Police Records Department will also be on the first floor, managing law enforcement records and other matters – such as issuing alarm permits.

Midlothian’s Municipal Court, which handles traffic violations and class C misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits, has moved to the new facility and can also be used for community meetings.

And, the Public Safety Building now has Police Administration and Fire Administration in one location.

Parking at the new facility is easy – in the adjacent area next to the new building located at 1111 George W. Raffield Jr. Way.

The new entrance was named in honor of fallen Midlothian Police Officer George W. Raffield Jr., who was killed in the line of duty in 1987.

Entrances and parking will also continue to be open from the North US Hwy. 67 service road.

Some police operations will continue to be in the old police department facility for the next few weeks including Patrol (report intake), Jail, Criminal Investigations, Crisis Intervention Unit, and Northern Ellis Emergency Dispatch.

“This facility will stand for the next 50-plus years to support the service of the brightest and best men and women the City of Midlothian has to offer,” Coffman concluded.