Hanover Police Office Closes for Two Days Before Renovation

Closure of Hanover Borough Police Department for Renovation Preparation

The Hanover Borough Police Department is set to close its offices at 42-44 Frederick Street for two days as preparations begin for a major renovation project. The closure will take place on Thursday, July 31, and Friday, August 1, 2025. During this time, the department’s phones will be unavailable for part of the day on Thursday due to the transition.

Residents who need assistance from the police department during this period are advised to contact York County 911 for emergencies or use the non-emergency line at 717-840-2971. The department is scheduled to reopen on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Upon reopening, public access will be through the front door on the Frederick Street side, as the doors adjacent to the parking lot will remain locked.

This temporary closure is part of the broader plan to construct a new downtown "Public Safety Building" that will serve as a modernized facility for the police department. This building will be part of an upgraded municipal center that also includes the newly built Public Administration Building at 33 Frederick Street.

Background on the Building and Previous Moves

The current location of the police department, 42-44 Frederick Street, was originally known as the Sears Building, constructed in 1949 by Sears, Roebuck and Company. The borough and police department moved into the building in 1978. Over the years, officials have raised concerns about the outdated infrastructure, which was described as "antiquated" and lacking adequate facilities to support the needs of the police department.

In April 2025, administrative and council offices were relocated to the new Public Administration Building, but the police department remained in the 42-44 Frederick Street building. The decision to stay in the current location allows for the transformation of the space into a modernized public safety facility. Construction on the overhaul is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Upgrades Planned for the New Public Safety Building

The renovations include several key upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and security. These include:

• A secure parking area for officers
• Improved processing for detainees
• A secure lobby area
• An emergency operations center
• Enhanced evidence collection facilities
• A basement shooting range for on-site firearms training

The basement shooting range is intended to eliminate the need for off-site qualifications, which can be affected by scheduling conflicts and weather conditions. Instead, officers will be able to conduct their training within the building.

Another significant exterior change involves the addition of a secured fenced-in parking area for the police department, along with a private "sally port" that will allow for the safe movement of evidence and prisoners between vehicles and the building.

Additionally, the 42-44 Frederick Street building will house the relocated administrative offices for Hanover Area Fire & Rescue, including space for the fire chief, deputy fire chief, and administrative assistant.

Project Funding and Adjustments

The $10,131,098 renovation project was awarded to eciConstruction, the lowest bidder, after a competitive bidding process. Other bids included Caldwell Heckles & Egan at $10,557,851 and Keystruct Construction at $10,793,290.

In July, the Hanover Borough Council approved a change order to reduce the project's costs by $965,995. This adjustment involved removing several items from the budget to seek alternative funding sources, such as grants.

Most of the cost reductions came from the removal of the basement firing range, which was allocated $593,775. Officials have decided to source this funding through grants at a later date. Similarly, the external generator, initially priced at $160,000, will also be funded through alternative means.

A smaller change involved the removal of $6,000 for lightbox signage on the building’s front facade. The original plan was to install a large lightbox featuring the police department's crest. However, the change order states that the front facade signage will now match that of the Public Administration Building.