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ARDES5 - ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 5

Research: Building
Typology of a Police
Station
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
ARCHITECTURE

Submitted by:
Tiedra, Jaime Jr.,

Submitted to:
Ar. Paul Greg Francis Peñalosa, UAP
I. Introduction
When you cast your gaze upon this structure, it should evoke a
sense of security and assurance, allowing you to navigate the urban
landscape with a feeling of ease and tranquility. Simultaneously, it serves as
a reminder of the serious consequences that accompany unlawful actions. A
police station embodies a dedicated space where personnel diligently uphold
the law and ensure justice prevails within the community it serves. This
establishment functions as a hub for law enforcement officials and other
authorized personnel, fostering an environment that safeguards the
innocence and well-being of the populace.

Imagine police stations as versatile epicenters that transcend the sole

role of law enforcement, harmonizing amidst the city's vibrant energy. They
stand as dynamic nerve centers, orchestrating a spectrum of vital tasks that
contribute to the seamless operation of our urban milieu. While their primary
duty entails enforcing the law, their scope extends to swift emergency
responses, collaborative community engagement, preemptive crime
prevention, meticulous evidence custodianship, and strategic coordination
with allied agencies. Through these amalgamated roles, these stations stand
as vigilant sentinels, collectively nurturing a secure urban fabric that
encompasses us all.

A. Brief Description
A police station serves as a facility primarily utilized by police
officers, and on occasion, by members of the legal community
including judges and legal practitioners. It stands as a pivotal locus in
the preservation of tranquility, security, and cohesion within local
neighborhoods. Upon entering its premises, one is greeted with a
domain where dedicated individuals tirelessly endeavor to uphold
principles of justice, respond to exigent situations, and cultivate
rapport with the community they are entrusted to serve. Indeed, police
station architectures symbolize the central conduits through which
these societal aspirations are realized, thereby imbuing their exteriors
with the capacity to either encourage or dissuade direct interpersonal
engagement.

B. History of Police Station

For a considerable stretch of the 20th century, the title "Police
Building" endured, largely because it played a vital part as the
headquarters of the New York City Police Department. This spanned
from 1909 to 1973, a period that unfolded after the consolidation of
the city's various boroughs in 1898.
Designed in the esteemed Beaux Arts architectural style,
inspired by 18th-century Parisian aesthetics, the original concept was
brought to life by the acclaimed architectural firm Hoppin & Koen.
Beyond its captivating facade, the building harbors intriguing enigmas
below its surface. Local legends hint at a concealed tunnel linking a
speakeasy named Callahan's to the headquarters, offering officers a
clandestine path for indulgence during Prohibition. The lore also
speaks of a hidden brothel within its walls. While the authenticity of
these tales remains uncertain, the building's historical significance
culminated in its designation as a New York City Landmark in 1978
and its subsequent listing on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1980.
Transformed into upscale apartments in 1988, the building
skillfully blends historical grandeur with contemporary living spaces.
Functioning as the Building Architect, our company diligently oversees
the design and construction reviews for potential renovations,
ensuring compliance with codes and the preservation of the building's
inherent character.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has its origins in the
establishment of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) back in 1901,
under the American regime. This marked the inception of an insular
police force. Over the years, this entity transformed into the Philippine
Constabulary Integrated National Police (PC/INP) in 1975, following
Presidential Decree No. 765. Later, in response to constitutional
changes and the desire for a national civilian police force, the PNP
emerged. Republic Act No. 6975, enacted in 1990, led to the
formation of the PNP on January 29, 1991, by amalgamating former
PC and INP members alongside select personnel from armed forces
units like the Philippine Air Force Security Command, Philippine
Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Army. This trans-
formative process was further bolstered in 1998 with the passage of
Republic Act No. 8551, which aimed to enhance and reorganize the
PNP's structure to ensure heightened efficiency and competence.

C. Types of Police Stations/Departments

1. Administration
Administration in a police station involves managing
non-operational functions crucial for the department's efficiency.
This includes tasks like personnel supervision, budgeting,
record-keeping, policy formulation, community relations,
logistics, legal compliance, and emergency preparedness.
Police administration also involves overseeing law
enforcement organizations and executing strategies to uphold
order, enhance public safety, and diminish crime rates.
2. Patrol
Police station patrol involves the organized and
systematic monitoring of designated areas by law enforcement
officers stationed at a specific police precinct. This practice
plays a pivotal role in upholding public safety, proactively
preventing criminal activities, promptly responding to
emergencies, and establishing a noticeable police presence
within the community.
Patrol officers engage in a range of activities, including
regular checks, swift responses to service calls, meaningful
interactions with the public, crime deterrence, and resolution of
any arising issues. The overarching aim of police station patrol
 is to instill a sense of security, foster community confidence,
and actively address potential disturbances or threats within
the designated patrol zone. Police station patrol is responsible
for a police precinct's designated regions' safety and well-being.
3. Investigative Services
Police Station Investigative Services is a specialized unit
focused on diving deep into criminal cases. Comprising skilled
detectives, they gather evidence, interview witnesses and
suspects, and use advanced techniques to solve crimes like
robberies, homicides, and cybercrimes. Their goal is to bring
justice by thoroughly investigating cases and building strong
prosecutions against offenders.
4. Services
Police station services encompass a multifaceted range
of functions and support provided by law enforcement agencies
to the public and the communities they serve. These services
are designed to uphold public safety, enforce the law, and
foster positive relationships between the police and the
community. Among the pivotal aspects of police station
services are emergency response, wherein timely assistance is
rendered during critical situations; crime prevention initiatives,
which encompass community outreach efforts and educational
programs; and the practice of community policing, which
underscores collaborative partnerships between officers and
local residents. Equally vital is the provision of public
assistance, where guidance and information are offered to
individuals seeking advice, reporting crimes, or filing
complaints. Moreover, police station services extend to traffic
control, records management, victim support, and specialized
units addressing distinct types of crimes and emergencies.

D. Building Typology
 Building typology is a way to group and understand different
kinds of buildings based on how they work and look. Architects use it
to design better, like knowing homes need different designs than
offices. In cities, it helps plan where and how buildings should be to
create good spaces for everyone.
For police stations, building typology means looking at what
police buildings have in common. This includes things like how they're
set up inside, where the detention areas are located, how they handle
administrative tasks, and how they make sure everything is safe and
secure. By studying the building typology of police stations, architects
and planners can make sure these buildings work really well for the
police to do their jobs effectively and keep the community safe.
Police Station
Police station typology consists of essential elements
shaped by law enforcement practices, operations, and public
interactions.
Site Planning and Location. Police stations are
strategically situated to ensure security and operational
efficiency. They are often set apart from other structures,
affording a dedicated space for police operations. This
separation guarantees that the functions of a police
station can be executed without interference from other
city functions. Ideally positioned near major roadways,
they provide swift response access and public
convenience. The site also accommodates
considerations such as parking, potential expansion, and
designated areas for the movement of prisoners and
supplies.
Building Design and Layout. The design of a
police station is a balance between practicality,
functionality, and security. These structures often
feature a one- or two-story layout that accommodates
the diverse needs of different departments and their
 functions. The layout ensures a segregation of spaces,
distinguishing public areas, administrative offices,
detainment facilities, and specialized units to enhance
operational efficiency and security.
Public and Administrative Areas. The police
station's typology integrates spaces for both public and
administrative use. Public areas encompass entrances,
reception zones, and waiting areas, designed to be
welcoming yet secure for visitors. Administrative areas
house offices, investigative units, and record-keeping
functions, fostering collaboration and efficient workflow.
Detention and Support Facilities. The typology
of a police station is notably defined by its detainment
facilities. This includes cells of varying security levels, as
well as specialized areas for booking and processing
detainees. The design carefully considers lighting,
ventilation, sanitation, and safety measures. Support
facilities cater to the needs of staff, providing spaces for
breaks, storage, and vehicle maintenance.

II. Guidelines For The Planning and Design

Designing police facilities involves careful consideration of various
factors. Functional relationships play a crucial role, as offices and work
areas with similar tasks should be strategically grouped to prevent
duplication and increase efficiency. Separating public access from prisoner
areas is essential to ensure safety and privacy. Creating a balance between
private and multipurpose spaces is crucial for administrative and
investigative offices, facilitating both sensitive tasks and collaborative
activities.
Efficient space utilization is a key design principle, encouraging
modular construction and open layouts. Special attention should be given to
communication, records, and evidence facilities, ensuring secure, well-
equipped spaces for data processing and storage. Detention facilities must
be strategically placed, allowing for streamlined processes and minimizing
the need for additional jailkeeping staff. Moreover, the police garage should
be designed to facilitate secure prisoner transfers and vehicle storage, while
marksmanship programs can be integrated with training facilities to optimize
space usage. In essence, designing police facilities requires a
comprehensive understanding of operational needs and a commitment to
creating spaces that enhance effectiveness, security, and functionality.
Thoughtful planning extends to critical areas such as evidence
storage, detainment facilities, and prisoner handling. These sectors require
meticulous attention to ensure security, organization, and confidentiality.
Effective separation between arrested individuals and the general public is
imperative to uphold privacy and prevent potentially risky interactions.
Equally important is devising appropriate arrangements for police vehicle
parking and maintenance.
Training provisions also hold significance. Creating a secure
environment for honing shooting skills is essential. Additionally, foresight is
crucial; the design must not only cater to current needs but also anticipate
potential future modifications. The intricate nature of this endeavor
resembles piecing together a complex puzzle, where precision is required for
each element to coalesce harmoniously. By orchestrating these various
components adeptly, the police station evolves into a functional and
harmonious space serving both law enforcement personnel and the
community they safeguard.
Site Requirements:
 Police stations are ideally located separately from
other structures.
 Consider sharing a site with other city functions if
feasible.
 Jail section should be above ground and set back
from property lines.
 Jail should have access for prisoner transportation.
 Provide off-street parking, space for expansion,
proper lighting, and distinct entrances.
General Design Information:
A. Horizontal Plan:
 Building with fewer floors is more economical for
supervision.
 Multi-floor buildings might save on construction but
incur ongoing administrative personnel costs.
B. Construction Building Code:
 Ensure fire-resistant construction, proper lighting,
heating, and ventilation.
 Prevent smoke and hot gases from passing through
the building.
 Include fire safety devices like standpipes, fire hose,
extinguishers, and alarms.
 Provide enclosed stairways for multi-story buildings.
C. Facilities:
Windows:
 Jail windows should have steel bars or detention
sash.
 Mesh partitions inside windows prevent contraband
and exhibitionism.
Storage: Provide safe storage for cash and valuables.
Firearms: Store firearms securely in locked cabinets.
Firefighting Apparatus:
 Guard against fire hazards, provide accessible fire
hoses.
 Telephone, Radio: Include fire and auxiliary alarm
equipment, as well as communication provisions.
Detention Division:
 Main detective office for briefings and instructions.
 Small rooms for interrogation with basic furnishings.
 Show-up room for prisoner identification, separate
from the public.
 Visitors' room for interviews, with separation between
prisoners and visitors.
 Interview room for attorneys and social workers.
  Examining room for medical assessments.
 Kitchen for jails with high prisoner numbers,
equipped with appliances.
 Laundry equipped with modern-type equipment and
sterilizer.
 Janitor's slop sink in a well-ventilated area.
 Segregation cells for different prisoner categories,
with close supervision.
 Individual cells for maximum security, equipped with
essentials.
 Dormitories with proper space and facilities.
 Tanks equipped with benches, toilets, and urinals for
prisoners.
 Proper lighting, plumbing, and ventilation for prisoner
living quarters.
 Adequate water and sewage systems, provision for
drinking water.
 Receiving garage for prisoner drop-off, connected to
jail elevator.
Police Station - City of 3,500 Population:
 Central control with limited offices and small jail.
 Accessible courtroom for men and separate entrance
lobby for public.
 Men's cells including padded cell, two-bed cell, and
large tank.
 Multi-use isolation cells for various purposes.
 Pantry for service or laboratory use.
 Possible expansion by reconfiguring carport space.

III. Samples
 Philippine National Police Somerville Police Station

Mollet Police Station Mollet Police Station

Zegel Command and Situation

IV. References

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architectural characteristics that can be appreciated by all. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300942472_Police_station_facades
_Searching_the_architectural_characteristics_that_can_be_appreciated_by_a
ll

Architecture, K. (2018, March 15). A Katz history lesson: The police building.
Medium. https://katzarch.medium.com/a-katz-history-lesson-the-police-
building-d5e087118e47
Crowder, S., & Turvey, B. E. (2013). Ethical Issues in Police Administration. In
Police Administration. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-404597-2.

Police Patrol goals and objectives. (2018, June 27). Work - Chron.com.
https://work.chron.com/police-patrol-goals-objectives-27986.html

Investigative Services Unit | It’s your Yale. (n.d.).

https://your.yale.edu/community/public-safety/police/investigative-
services-unit

Police services Definition | Law Insider. (n.d.). Law Insider.

https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/police-services

Archisoup. (2023, June 14). Understanding Building Typology - archisoup |

Architecture Guides & Resources. archisoup | Architecture Guides &
Resources. https://www.archisoup.com/understanding-building-
typology

de Chiara, & Callender. (2015, October 6). Time-Saver Standards for Building
Types. https://archive.org/. Retrieved August 20, 2023, from
https://archive.org/details/TimeSaverStandardsForBuildingType