Branson, MO
Turning an Entertainment Landmark into a Modern Police Headquarters
A Range of Solutions for Officer Wellness and Improved Workflows
Officer Wellness Takes Center Stage
Having outgrown its facility, leaders at the Branson Police Department began a years-long search for a headquarters that would promote officer wellness, provide room for growth, streamline evidence management, and support the operational needs of a modern law enforcement agency. Despite multiple attempts to move forward, funding challenges repeatedly stalled plans for a new police facility.
The breakthrough came when the City of Branson acquired the former Charley Pride Theater. Rather than pursuing an expensive ground-up construction project, city leaders chose to renovate and repurpose the existing structure into its new police department.
"This was a theater. However, when we did the designing, it was purpose-driven. This was designed to meet our needs," explains Lt. E.J. Jones of the Branson PD. "What the chief really wanted to do was focus this building on officer wellness - one of the pillars of 21st century policing."
The renovated facility, equipped with a range of Spacesaver storage solutions, combines modern police operations with an adaptable footprint. The unique layout of the former theater has enabled the department to design a department suited for today's needs with opportunity for expansion for years to come.
Closing the Curtain on Outdated Systems
Before relocating, the Branson Police Department faced storage and operational challenges common to many aging public safety facilities. As the department continued to grow, available storage space became increasingly difficult to manage.
The former locker room was on such example of those limitations. The previous lockers were small and their prefabricated configuration prevented them from fully meeting the needs of the officers using them. Department leaders also sought a cleaner, more comfortable environment for officers, noting the former locker solution was poorly ventilated and contributed to odor issues.
Evidence processing and storage presented another challenge. Officers needed a more efficient way to temporarily secure evidence, maintain organization, and minimize the risk of misplaced property. Beyond the locker room and evidence areas, the department needed dedicated storage for their tactical units, armory, and other support spaces.
Personal Storage Locker Brochure
Personal Storage Locker Brochure
A Spotlight on Improved Wellness and Workflow
Working in conjunction with the Branson Police Department, local design consultants and architects, and the project’s general contractor, Spacesaver's experts implemented a comprehensive storage strategy tailored to the renovated facility and focused on employee wellness.
In the men's and women's locker rooms, the department selected Spacesaver’s Rival Lockers, equipped with power outlets so officers could charge personal devices. For additional officer comfort, the lockers were outfitted with benches as well as drawers, boot trays, and body armor storage. Active ventilation and airflow chimneys are designed to move air through the lockers to help keep items dry and reduce odors. Day Use Lockers were also installed in the locker room to support staff who do not require permanently assigned lockers.
For evidence intake and processing, the department implemented Pass-Thru Evidence Lockers configured to support a variety of evidence types and sizes, including temperature-sensitive items that need refrigeration.
After the department’s evidence tech completes processing, items are transferred to the lower-level evidence and property storage area. Here, our local rep outfitted separate evidence rooms for general property, firearms, and drugs and valuables with Spacesaver 4-Post Shelving, providing increased storage capacity for long-term evidence storage.
Additional 4-Post Shelving systems were installed in tactical areas, while Universal™ Weapons Racks were added within gunsmith and armory spaces to support the secure organization of firearms and hazardous items. In the SWAT room, Gear Lockers without doors provide rapid access to specialized equipment when officers need to respond quickly.
Evidence Storage Solutions Brochure
Evidence Storage Solutions Brochure
Better Storage and Workflows Working in Concert
Since officially opening the new location in late 2025, Branson Police Department staff have benefited from our storage systems, which support both operational efficiency and officer comfort. The locker rooms provide officers with dedicated space for uniforms, equipment, body armor, and personal belongings, while active ventilation helps create a more comfortable environment.
The new evidence processing workflow has also improved efficiency. The variety of door sizes, including a dropbox for smaller items and refrigeration for temperature-sensitive items, allows officers to secure evidence more appropriately, reducing the need to spread items from a single case across multiple lockers.
Throughout the facility, dedicated storage areas help personnel organize equipment, firearms, tactical gear, and long-term evidence more effectively. The result is improved accountability, easier access to critical resources, and workflows that support the department's growing mission.
An Encore-Worthy Ensemble
Spacesaver’s design experts are here to help, working alongside consultants, architects, and general contractors to ensure your project is completed to top-tier standards. Contact us to learn how we can support your project with a complete range of storage solutions to improve present-day operations and future requirements.
