The City of Branson has opened its new police department headquarters, a project completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The facility, located at 1 Justice Street, is a renovation of the former White House Theater into a more than 42,000 square foot space equipped to support patrol operations, investigations, evidence processing, training, technology, and administrative functions.
Mayor Larry Milton described the completion as an example of sound planning and investment in public safety. “This new headquarters is a powerful example of responsible planning, smart investment, and a commitment to the people of Branson,” said Milton. “Delivering this project ahead of schedule and under budget is a tremendous accomplishment, and it gives our officers the professional environment and tools they need to continue serving our community at the highest level.”
City Administrator Cathy Stepp credited teamwork for the success. “From the initial planning to the final touches, this project has been a true team effort. We set out to create a facility that supports our officers, strengthens our operations, and reflects the trust our community places in us, and we’ve achieved exactly that,” she stated.
Police Chief Eric Schmitt noted that this milestone fulfills long-standing departmental goals. “This new headquarters fulfills a promise that has been more than 20 years in the making for our department. Our officers finally have a space that matches their level of service, professionalism, and pride. It’s designed to help us operate more efficiently, train more effectively, and connect more deeply with the community we serve. We’re excited to open our doors and share this achievement with the people of Branson,” he said.
The city purchased the nearly 12-acre property in 2022 following an extensive feasibility study which determined it could meet both current needs and future growth requirements for law enforcement operations. By repurposing an existing building rather than constructing anew on undeveloped land or elsewhere in Branson’s urban core—which would likely have required higher spending—the city reduced costs significantly while expediting completion timelines.
Officials say these steps demonstrate ongoing efforts by local government to use taxpayer funds responsibly while addressing expanding public safety demands.
The opening signals Branson’s intention to maintain strong community trust through continued investment in modern infrastructure for essential services.
