Modular Buildings for Security and Public Safety

Whether it’s a government building, correctional facility, security office, or disaster relief team, the public safety industry serves its communities. And just like every industry, there are challenges and issues that they face. 

Let’s walk through some of the most significant issues facing the public safety and security industry, and then we’ll dive into the advantages of modular building and how it can ease some of these challenges.

Almost every industry is starting to be concerned with sustainability efforts and how their work is impacting the environment. And the security industry is no exception. More and more organizations are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and use fewer resources during their day-to-day operations.

This issue is also one that isn’t just relevant to the security and public safety industry. Ever since the pandemic, working from home has become a widespread normality, and some companies are struggling to successfully prepare their employees. 

Within the security industry, the transition from being in the office every day to a hybrid schedule has come with many challenges. A lot of employees have spoken up about not being given enough training or equipment to be successful in their home offices.

Whenever an industry is thriving, it’s going to continue to grow. And although this is great and should be celebrated, it comes with a challenge. When there’s high growth, there is more chance of competition and a stronger urge to continue to make a profit.

A common question is, where can we cut costs but remain competitive within the market?

As we’ve mentioned above, public safety is created to meet the needs of the community. Because of this, they should be adaptable to when the needs of the community change. Sometimes, these changes mean making renovations and updates to their existing facilities. 

The critical issue here is that renovations and updates can disrupt the community, increase costs, and even temporarily close your facilities. Additionally, there are some organizations like police stations and security offices that must follow a specific set of standards and guidelines when being updated or renovated.

In some areas of public safety, you are constantly traveling to where you’re needed. Disaster relief organizations need to be efficient, adaptable, and timely to be proactive about situations and diminish an emergency as quickly as possible. 

The problem of this type of work being unpredictable isn’t something that can be solved. However, some solutions include making the process more efficient and adaptable when emergencies do arise.

Now that we’ve outlined the significant issues that permeate the industry, we’ll discuss the benefits of incorporating modular buildings for security and public safety. 

You’ll notice that these types of buildings help alleviate some of the common problems within the public safety and security industry.

The problem: Companies are looking for more sustainable options to further reduce their carbon footprint and material waste. 

The solution: Because of how modular is constructed, the process reduces the amount of material waste and pollution created. 

As we mentioned earlier, there are times when growth and renovations are inevitable. And if we compare traditional construction to modular construction, you’ll see that the sustainability benefits lean heavily towards modular construction. 

A majority of your modular security unit will be constructed within a controlled environment. And this provides multiple benefits for your organization. 

First, there’s more supervision and precision within each step which allows for less material waste and energy use. And when there are extra materials? There simply kept at the modular facility and used in another project. 

Second, this type of construction isn’t disrupting your community. Off-site construction means that noise pollution and air pollution are virtually eliminated for your project. You won’t have to worry about loud equipment noises or dust being stirred up because of construction. 

Last, a lot of organizations are looking to qualify for LEED certifications because that ultimately means their buildings are contributing to a greener future. These sustainable efforts are not just for surrounding communities and the environment but also have proven benefits for the people and staff that work within the space. 

Cleaner air within the building allows for higher employee retention and productivity levels for your staff. With a cleaner environment and air quality, staff will likely not take as much time off for allergies, asthma, and even depression.

The indoor environmental quality of a modular building is usually safer because of the controlled environment. Additional time between production and occupancy allows for a longer period of off-gassing for VOCs such as sealants, adhesives, and finishes that were used during construction.

The problem: Security offices and other public safety buildings are outdated and in need of renovation. 

The solution: Modular buildings are constructed efficiently and can be used as temporary swing spaces during renovations. 

You don’t always need huge renovations to expand your facilities. Updates to guard shacks, booths, and small security units can be effective and benefit your processes and the entire organization. And by taking advantage of modular security booths and offices, you’re saving time and money. 

If you’re not sure how long you’ll need to utilize the space, consider leasing rather than purchasing. That way it’s a smaller investment and you can make the most out of your expansion budget.

We’ve discussed the issues within the security and public safety industry and the benefits of incorporating modular into your building plans. But how are real companies using modular for their own advantage?

The Groveland Fire Station needed to be strategically placed around the multiple lakes so their response time wasn’t delayed. The modular building took less than 3 months to complete and included an eat-in kitchen, storage facility, laundry room, and restrooms. 

Ultimately, modular reduced their costs and allowed them to have a building up and running faster than traditional construction methods.

Sometimes, if you’re in a remote location, it’s best to utilize modular construction. Moon Island is home to the Boston Police Department Firing Range. Twice a year, local enforcement comes to practice shooting and goes through tactical training. 

This extra facility is crucial to maintain the skills and training of the Boston Police Department. The modular security buildings held two-story classrooms and a designated area for officers to unload their weapons. 

The first floor included

• Registration Area.
• Storage Room.
• Two Restrooms. 
• A Classroom.
• IT Room.
• A Private Office.

The second floor included 

• Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms with Showers.
• A Fitness Room.
• A Control Room.
• A Private Office.

In every industry, multiple obstacles and issues come up within daily operations and building projects. Modular buildings for security and public safety allow for flexibility, sustainability, and durability.