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The Need for a New Police Facility: On March 24, 2006 the Mendon Police Department was visited as a result of a call received by the Division of Occupational Safety, and a report with recommendations and corrective action needed was generated and submitted to the town dated June 8, 2006. Following are excerpts from this OSHA report: 1. There is inadequate storage space; materials are deposited in various locations on the second floor, blocking egress in the first floor, impeding use of break areas and lockers. 2. There is evidence of water damage from roof leaks on the fiberglass insulation on the second floor. The concrete blocs in the interior of the cells show signs of chronic water infiltration. There is water staining on the ceiling of the cells. 3. Several instances of incomplete wiring were noted in the basement and in the 2nd floor. The electric outlets above the sinks in the break area and bathrooms do not have a ground fault circuit interrupter. 4. There is no emergency eye wash station available 5. The second floor does not meet Massachusetts Building Code, and OSHA has decreed we cannot use it: a. The stairwell and exit do not meet code requirements for egress b. Ventilation and air quality exchange c. Floor load requirements d. Bathroom facilities e. Heat issues 6. The grounds surrounding the Police Station are severely pitted and uneven. The asphalt has broken down to a level where it is a tripping hazard for individuals entering the station. 7. The cellblock is not in compliance with Massachusetts General Law: a. Cellblock floors are level and incapable of draining appropriately b. There are no drains located outside the cells c. The floor outside the cell is wooden and therefore generally not suitable for this type of use, as the cells are supposed to be cleaned regularly which would result in moisture damage to an already failing floor d. Cells tend to be too cold in winter e. Low water pressure in Town Hall complex affects toilets in cellblock f. Non-compliance with housing of female and juvenile prisoners; therefore, these prisoners must be removed to another police station for holding The Mendon Police Department has had and continues to have a variety of long-term problems related to our cellblock in particular, as noted in inspections conducted by the Department of Public Health, Division of Community Sanitation. Few corrections and improvements have been undertaken because of significant infrastructure issues inherent with the design of the building housing the Police Department.
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