The construction of Canyon Lake’s new Police Department headquarters is on track to be completed on or before the scheduled November deadline, marking a major milestone in the city’s efforts to establish its own law enforcement services.
Located on the lower level of the City Hall building, the new facility will serve as the official headquarters for the new Canyon Lake Police Department. The space is designed to support a fully functioning police department and will feature three administrative cubicles, private offices for the chief, lieutenant, sergeant, and detective, an interrogation room, an armory, an evidence room, and a processing room.
Additional amenities include a restroom, server room, and storage room, providing the infrastructure necessary for a fully functioning department. The locker room and showers will be installed on the upper level of the building.
The $637,230 construction contract was awarded to Low Construction, Inc., a Canyon Lake–based firm owned and operated by a local resident, who also completed the construction of the new City Council Chamber last year. The project underscores the city’s commitment to supporting local businesses while investing in its public safety future.
Once completed, the facility will centralize law enforcement operations, enhance efficiency, and support Canyon Lake’s transition to independent police services.
The creation of the Canyon Lake Police Department comes after the city formally notified the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that it will terminate its law enforcement contract and establish its own police department by the end of August 2026.
According to the city, the anticipated fiscal impact of the city forming its own police department would result in approximately $1 million in startup costs and an anticipated savings of at least $90,000 in year one of operation and forward, as compared to the anticipated flat cost of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s contract of $2,547,132.97 in fiscal year 26/27.
At the August city council meeting, the council approved vehicles and patch and badge designs for the new department. At the next council meeting, the council plans to announce the police chief who will lead the department.
With construction underway, a police chief selected, the department’s patch, badge, and vehicles approved, the city is steadily advancing in its historic effort to establish a self-operated police department dedicated to protecting and serving the citizens of Canyon Lake.
