Melbourne Police will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center

A two-story, 76,000-square-foot building can withstand a Category 5 hurricane

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne Police hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the new Joseph Pellicano Center for Law Enforcement.

“This center is not just a building; it is a commitment to serve and protect our community. It is a tribute to Officer Joseph Pellicano and a symbol of our bond with all of you. Your continued support, love and trust mean a lot to our department and inspire us to work harder every day,” a Melbourne Police spokesperson said.

The new Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center is located at 250 West NASA Boulevard in Melbourne.

“The construction of our new police station, the Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center, has been a labor of love for years. We, the officers and staff, are eagerly anticipating the move and the opportunities to work in a centralized, efficient 21st century police station,” a Melbourne Police spokesperson said.

The new facility bears the name of Joseph Pellicano, an outstanding officer and respected member of the law enforcement family who was killed in the line of duty on October 17, 1986. The Melbourne City Council named the new police facility in honor of his sacrifice.

Consolidated MPD Headquarters Building

The Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center is the new consolidated headquarters of the Melbourne Police Department. Designed to operate for decades, it will enable greater efficiency in operations, better service to the public and improved city response to disasters.

Six years ago, Melbourne residents supported the city council’s vision to replace the two aging, dilapidated buildings with a new facility that would consolidate all police services under one roof. On November 6, 2018, they voted to approve financing the new police station with general obligation bonds.

This investment has enabled the City of Melbourne to build a state-of-the-art building with many benefits and features that will significantly enhance our services to the community now and into the future.

Public safety and emergency response

The new facility is hardened to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. Redundant systems ensure the city’s Emergency Operations Center and 911 Communications Center can always respond to the public in times of need, even during a catastrophic storm.

Key features include a concrete tilt-up wall structure, a generator with a 10,000 liter fuel tank that can run the facility for two weeks, the ability to easily connect an additional generator and air conditioning system if necessary, a backup water system and a backup upsanitary sewer system.

Improved service, community relations and crime prevention

The expanded and improved space at the Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center will allow the department to provide enhanced services to citizens and victims.

Having private interview rooms off the lobby will better serve victims, and the lobby itself will be a welcoming space for those in need of police services.

In a multifunctional community space, residents and officers can work together on crime prevention and other initiatives that make neighborhoods safer.

Extensive space for evidence processing and storage

There is an outbuilding for evidence analysis and storage that does not require climate control, and secure storage areas for seized vehicles and equipment.

In addition, the facility is set up for enhanced evidence processing, providing dedicated space for crime scene investigators to conduct specific types of processing in rooms designated for detailed investigation.

The new Ownership and Evidence Room can store approximately 100,000 pieces of evidence. Expanded staff workstations will improve employee working conditions and enable more efficient evidence processing.

Training and other facilities for police officers

New training areas, including a dedicated defense tactics room and a gym, allow the MPD to host training internally. This allows the MPD to plan needed training more efficiently and with less disruption to officers’ schedules.

The center also has two bunk beds where night shift officers can find a place to rest if they have to appear in court the morning after their shift.

On-site outbuildings include covered space for specialty vehicles such as the SWAT armored vehicle, Command Trailer, Crisis Negotiations Van and more.

SWAT, Dive Rescue and other specialized teams now have dedicated storage space for their equipment.

Improved K9 facilities

The new kennels will provide ample space for police K9s. The property also has room for future outdoor training and a possible K9 obstacle course expansion.

Investing in the future

The Joseph Pellicano Law Enforcement Center is a two-story, 70,000-square-foot building designed to improve current working conditions, expand department capabilities, and enhance community services. The new building will provide a safer and cleaner working environment, additional service options and the ability to expand in the near future.

About Officer Joseph Pellicano

The Melbourne City Council named the facility in honour Officer Joseph Pellicanothe only member of the Melbourne Police Department to be killed in the line of duty.

The end of Officer Pellicano’s watch was on October 17, 1986, when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at a house fire on Sarno Road.

At the time of his death, Officer Pellicano had worked for the Melbourne Police Department as a patrol officer for three and a half years. He had twice been awarded the department’s bar for exceptional service, including once in 1983 for pulling a person from a burning building.

He coached in the Police Athletic League and enjoyed working with youth to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Officer Pellicano attended Brevard Community College where he worked on his associate degree in criminal justice.

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