KEARNEY, Mo.—Clay County has marked a historic milestone with the grand opening of its new Law Enforcement Resource Center, the county’s first major law enforcement construction project in 25 years. The $8 million, 20,000-square-foot facility is designed to enhance training, preparedness, and public safety for deputies and partnering agencies across the region.
A Facility Decades in the Making
Sheriff Will Akin described the project as “decades in the making,” emphasizing its importance for the Sheriff’s Office mission to provide a safe environment for all Clay County residents. “This center is a massive game changer,” Akin said. “It ensures our deputies are equipped with the skills and resources they need to meet the challenges of modern law enforcement.”
Cutting-Edge Training Features
The Resource Center boasts:
- A 10-lane indoor shooting range for firearms proficiency.
- A stadium-style classroom with seating for 64 trainees.
- Multipurpose training rooms for defensive tactics and decision-making.
- Virtual and augmented reality systems that immerse deputies in real-world scenarios.
These features allow officers to sharpen their skills in a safe, controlled environment while preparing for the unpredictable realities of policing.
Project Partners Include:
The facility was made possible through collaboration with several key partners:
- Straub Construction – Lead contractor overseeing the build.
- Piper-Wind Architects, Inc. – Architectural design and planning.
- Taliaferro & Browne – Engineering and site development.
- FSC, Inc. – Structural engineering support.
- Leigh + O’Kane – Specialized consulting and project input.
Together, these organizations helped bring the Sheriff’s Office vision to life, ensuring the facility meets both current and future training needs.
The grand opening included an open house, inviting residents, county employees, and elected officials to tour the facility. Visitors were able to see firsthand how the center will serve not only Clay County deputies but also neighboring law enforcement agencies, strengthening regional collaboration.
With its blend of traditional training and modern technology, the Law Enforcement Resource Center positions Clay County as a leader in law enforcement readiness.
Photo Credit: Straub Construction
