The Tarleton State University Police Department ushered in their 50^th anniversary by hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of their new 4,300 square-foot building.

The building is on the corner of Frey Street and Harbin Drive, which used to be a fire department station for the city of Stephenville.

Before moving to their new building, the TPD had office space in Wisdom Gym. Prior to this, the TPD was located in Davis Hall. The space that was occupied by the TPD in the gym will be occupied by the expanding Kinesiology Department.

“It has been in the works for two years. But long before I came here, they had envisioned this building to be the police department,” explains Matt Welch, Tarleton Police Chief. Welch was appointed as the police chief on Oct. 6, 2014.

Before the TPD could move in to the new space, the building underwent a year’s worth of renovations. The renovations included adding office spaces, lockers, a parking office, conference rooms, storage for files and evidence as well as a holding room. While the renovations were underway, Welch placed a time capsule in the building. The time capsule contained a group photo of the current TPD, a TPD uniform patch and a current parking map of Tarleton.

“The Tarleton Police are involved in every program. Whether it’s a Duck Camp, an orientation, an athletic game, Homecoming week or Commencement ceremony. Their presence goes beyond their presence, it’s about their human touch.” stated Dr. Laura Boren, the Vice President for Student Affairs.