The new Police Services headquarters officially re-opens today with refreshments, door prizes and tours of the building.

“It’s a chance to walk around [the station] without being in handcuffs,” said Lt. Tom Sharp.

The original building was destroyed by an arson fire on June 23, 2008. To date, no one has been arrested in connection with the crime.

Police Chief Charles Gibson called the new station more “user friendly.” He said the officers provided input on its design.

Larger than the previous building by 480 square feet, it allows more storage space for lost and found items. The officers also now have closets for their personal belongings.

Children from the college’s Family Life Center will get their own tour of the station and take home shiny plastic badges. 

Gibson said the celebration is to show that Police Services is “part if the community, not apart from it.”

Tours of the new station begin at 11 a.m. and will continue every 30 minutes. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.