City of Bettendorf takes two big steps toward building new police station

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Bettendorf City Council approved a resolution to begin construction of the new Bettendorf Police Department, moments after a ground-breaking at the site of the new building at 4501 Devils Glen Road, according to a news release.

“This is a monumental day, and it would not be possible without the support of our community,” said Mayor Bob Gallagher. “During the Scott County City/School Election on November 4, 2025, nearly 74% of voters approved a referendum supporting this project. They said yes because they understand that public safety is what makes the City of Bettendorf a wonderful place to live, work, play, invest, and visit.”

“It means a lot when the community comes out to support public safety,” said President and CEO of Estes Construction Kent Pilcher. “For all the people who literally put their lives on the line every day, to be able to build this kind of facility for them is a real privilege, and we take that very seriously.”

The council's decision directs Estes Construction, the construction manager, to award subcontracts for the first four bid packages of site work and utilities, concrete, structural masonry and precast and steel. There will be 12 bid packages for the various trades included in the $27 million project. Construction on the 58,600-square-foot building is expected to last about 12 months, weather permitting.

“Since receiving voter approval, we have spent the past nine months designing a police facility that will meet the Bettendorf Police Department’s needs today and for decades to come,” said Police Chief Doug Scott. “Seeing construction underway at the future home of our department is truly exciting, and we look forward to the day we can move in and begin serving the community from this new building.”

Apart from being centrally located, which allows for better response times within the community, the new police station will feature collaborative work spaces, adequate facilities to train officers, secure spaces for the protection of staff, officers, equipment, and fleet, improvements to evidence storage, a community room, plus the ability to grow the department, attract, and retain officers.

“This building will stand as a beacon for the time present and the future to come as a strong measure of how public safety is important to our community, and we are very thankful to be part of that,” said vice president-Quad Cities at Bray Architects, John Mahon.

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