Jasper County recruits BBS for architectural services for training center

Supervisors have recruited architectural firm BBS Architects Engineers to help with the Jasper County Law Enforcement Training Center project.

Specifically, the board of supervisors approved a service order with BBS for the design and construction documentation, bidding assistance, construction administration and structural engineering for the training center, which is being renovated from the old Jasper County Animal Rescue League building.

Adam Sparks, maintenance director of Jasper County, presented the service order to supervisors during the July 15 board meeting. For the aforementioned scope of services, it will cost the county $79,900. BBS will essentially handle the schematic designs, bidding process and administration of the project.

According to county documents, the renovated training center will include a classroom for up to 40 people, two to three offices, a renovated entry vestibule, a breakroom with kitchenette, a garage bay for ambulance parking, two new private restrooms with showers and an open unfinished training space.

It has also been required the northwest section of wall be removed or replaced to accommodate overhead doors adjacent of all walls and roof structure.

In 2023, Newton News reported on the county’s intentions of turning the JCARL building to a training center. It was pitched by then-Sheriff John Halferty and Sergeant Tracy Cross of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. They said first responders throughout the county have struggled to find places to train for years.

By having a year-round facility devoted to interior and exterior trainings, Cross said it would provide law enforcement officials opportunities to utilize all of their tools and test themselves in a variety of different scenarios. For instance, breach tools like rams or sledge hammers cannot feasibly be used on personal property.

“A lot of properties (used in the past) they ask that you don’t damage anything. They don’t want you shooting in the house with stun guns either because it can damage a window or a wall. Then we have to clean that stuff up or pay for it,” Cross said, noting the JCARL building would be a marked training facility.

Which would offset many liability concerns for the sheriff’s office. The marked training grounds may also give the sheriff’s office the ability to hold training courses with other departments and outside instructors. Cross said a lot of times instructors want specific amenities to teach, like a large enough gun range.

Other law enforcement trainings would be possible at the facility, including patrol scenarios, room clearing and traffic stops, among others. It would also allow the Central Iowa Regional Tactical Team (CIRTT), which Jasper County is a part of, to train more effectively, and, again, utilize all of their tools and techniques.

Fire departments would be able to conduct vehicle extractions on-site, full-gear room clearing and breaching techniques. The building would also allow for medical-type training to help first responders expand their patient care and practice tactical medicine and medical rescues.