WKU Police Department undergoing several new changes

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Western Kentucky University Police Department is switching things up a bit.

“Everything about the new projects that we’re doing, it’s got morale centered around it,” said officer Tim Gray.

One of those new projects Gray referenced is the renovation of their police station.

“This is something that’s long overdue, much anticipated and certainly something that’s much needed as well,” he added.

Renovations are still in the early stages, to say the least, but there’s been plenty of discussion and research into what they want done to their building that sits right next to E.A. Diddle Arena.

“We’ve gotten together with planning and design,” said Gray. “Kind of looked at some generic renderings of what we’re looking at, what we’re wanting to be different. Everything is kind of being intentional about the lighting, the floor, the flow of the space.”

The WKU Police Department moved into this building in 1974 when it was founded, but since then, no renovations have been made.

The department has spent the past several years saving funds to be able to finally make some changes to the station – this after they knew it wouldn’t be feasible or cost-effective to relocate to a new facility.

“We set aside over the past five years financial funds year after year after year in anticipation of this project,” Gray said.

The department has also completely redesigned its badge/logo, one that was picked out and voted on by WKU officers.

It now features a gray and red checkered background and displays Cherry Hall in the center, doing away with the famed Red Towel.

“We wanted our university colors to be there, so they’re there,” said Gray. “We also wanted an iconic building.”

They also added the department’s core values: integrity, responsibility, and commitment.

“Those are the things that are ingrained in us the moment you walk through this door,” Gray added.

Officers will also be cruising around in style after their patrol cars received new decals.

“You don’t think of the design of your cruiser being a big deal, but for our officers it is,” said Gray. “When they’re rolling around town and folks are kind of checking out their cruisers, it makes them feel good inside.”