The Mesquite City Council is considering a significant investment of $5 million for a new police training facility, a move that has sparked a lively debate among council members. The current training setup for the police department is far from ideal, with an outdoor gun range located in a problematic area and a training facility housed in an outdated portable building. Council members emphasized the urgent need for improved training conditions to ensure officers are well-prepared to protect the community.

Council member Rodriguez Ross raised concerns about the financial implications of the new facility, questioning whether it would be prudent to utilize the valuable downtown property for other city needs instead. She suggested exploring alternatives, such as leasing time at an existing shooting range nearby, to alleviate the financial burden while still meeting the training requirements of the police force.

In response, city officials clarified that the current training facility is situated on land that is not suitable for commercial development, making it a practical choice for the new facility. They also highlighted the necessity of having a dedicated space for specialized police training, which cannot be easily accommodated at private ranges.

The discussion underscored the balance the council must strike between investing in public safety and managing city resources effectively. As the council continues to weigh the pros and cons of the proposed facility, the outcome could significantly impact the future of police training in Mesquite.