Norfolk Police Division's Recent TikTok Highlights Need for Improved Facilities

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – We get a behind-the-scenes look at the crumbling police headquarters in Norfolk, Nebraska.

The department played it lightly in a TikTok that “just makes sense.”

“Don’t tell the fire marshal,” says the screen of the latest video circulating in Norfolk, Nebraska.

The Norfolk Nebraska Division of Police mocks its current building, built in 1982.

“I’m trying to reveal some facts about our building. We did a space needs assessment probably about 18 months ago,” said Capt. Michael Bauer of the NNPD.

The city is considering a half-cent sales tax increase, placed on the ballot, that would end in about four years.

In this Tiktok they say it’s time for better facilities with a touch of sarcasm and creativity.

This behind-the-scenes video gives us a peek at what they call “40-year-old sofas with 40-year-old stains.”

Or how about “the lunch fridge next to the hazmat fridge?” »

“We have very cramped quarters, very little storage and we have simply outgrown the building,” Bauer said.

With a 100-square-foot fitness center for nearly 70 employees, Bauer added, “We’re at our wit’s end right now.”

The video goes on to highlight the mold in the ceiling vents and headlines.

Outgrowing their current space, several rooms were transformed into multi-purpose spaces like “report writing room/meth test/dining room,” as the video titles.

Bauer explained: “It’s partly about safety, partly about effectiveness. One example is our evidence technician sits in the same room as all the evidence, which includes drugs, guns, money, everything we bring in, and that is not a safe working environment.

More seriously, they estimate that if the sales tax were approved by voters, it would raise between $16 million and $18 million.

$10.1 million would go toward improvements to the police station and the remaining $5.5 million would go toward street improvements.

RELATED: Norfolk citizens discuss four-year sales tax increase to fund police department renovation

“These are needs that our staff couldn’t meet with the size of the building,” Bauer said.

They say duct tape fixes everything, “including kitchen cabinets,” and the garage has been converted into tactical storage.

The 1973 contraband is hidden on the station stairs in a display case made for the 1973 Nebraska State Fair.

The NNPD says it is home to what it says is Nebraska’s longest inland tectonic fault line, on the second floor.

“It’s a point of pride to have good facilities in town, and it’s also nice to come and work in a good environment,” Bauer said.

Any remaining funds would go toward the city’s enhanced street repair program.