DALLAS - Leaky roofs, exposed pipes, asbestos and broken toilets are just some of the problems at two Dallas police substations.
"It's definitely an eyesore," said Sgt. Sheldon Smith, Dallas Police Department.
There is exposed electrical wiring and also officers say there are health concerns.
"These floors, from what I understand, have asbestos backing," Smith said. "It’s in the glue."
Some officers wonder if the city isn't violating its own code. The restrooms have leaky exposed pipes and toilets that don't work.
"I think the city of Dallas, we are better than this," Smith said. "We are much better than this."
Officers have repeatedly asked for help from the city, and when they didn't get it, they spent money out of their own pockets to fix some of the problems.
“Officers at the station have taken it upon ourselves to paint portions of the station at our personal expense," read an e-mail obtained by News 8 that was written by a Dallas Police Department sergeant. "However, we still request that the deplorable ceiling issue be addressed by the city of Dallas."
Deputy Chief Vernon Hale, with the Southwest Patrol Division, said he even bought paint.
"I know there is a process to getting things done and I have no doubt that process will work eventually, but we want to make good strides quickly," he said. "And, the only way I know to do that is to do it ourselves."
In 2006, voters of Dallas approved $1.58 million in bonds for improvements that include fixing the women's locker room, repairing electrical wiring and getting new windows amongst other things. It didn't include painting, but the money would help in many other ways.
"We just want to show the officers that we do care about them and want them to have a safe beautiful work environment," Smith said.
Voters also approved $1.58 million for improvement at Central patrol, which included getting a new air conditioner that frequently goes out, leaving officers in the heat.
WFAA asked the city why the bond money hasn't been used for some of the improvements. Apparently, the owner of the firm that was picked to do the work died and then there were cutbacks in staffing, so the money has just been sitting there.
The city acknowledges delays, but said it's getting back on track and hopes to begin improvement in May or June of 2012. Officers said in the meantime, they hope the city can at least fix the toilets.
Email: rlopez@wfaa.com
