Desert Hot Springs celebrates opening of new police department annex

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Desert Hot Springs Police Department is expanding its footprint as the city looks to accommodate a growing department and community.

City leaders gathered Tuesday morning for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the department's new annex on Pierson Boulevard.

The new facility provides additional space for police operations, including dedicated areas for detectives, training and briefings, along with locker rooms, offices and other resources for officers and staff.

The opening comes as Desert Hot Springs also plans to expand its police force in the coming years, raising questions about how the new facility fits into the city's larger public safety plans and what residents can expect to see from that investment.

News Channel 3 is getting an inside look at the new annex and speaking with city and police leaders about why it was needed, what changes for officers and what's next for the department.

Watch the full report tonight at 5 p.m. on News Channel 3.