The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s director has proposed a proposal to construct a new headquarters worth $114.4 million. This initiative aims to replace the existing administrative buildings, which pose fire-safety risks and expose employees to security threats from homeless individuals and drug addicts.
The director of the state law enforcement agency, Tony Mattivi, informed the Kansas Legislature’s joint budget committee on Monday that the headquarters, which is housed in a former Topeka junior high school, was deemed functionally obsolete in 1996. This main building, constructed in 1929, predates the establishment of the KBI by a decade.
According to Mattivi, consultants have determined that the two adjacent buildings that make up the headquarters complex are no longer suitable for use as a functioning workplace.
“Our headquarters is not a safe place,” expressed the director of the KBI. “I am deeply disappointed in my inability to provide our employees with a secure working environment.”
According to Mattivi, the stone structure that served as the central administrative building did not have important safety systems like smoke containment and fire sprinkler systems. Additionally, the building, which was predominantly made of wood, did not have internal barriers to prevent the spread of flames.
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act does not consider it compliant. According to him, there are various code issues stemming from outdated infrastructure. For instance, some parts of the sewer pipe system date back as far as 100 years.
According to Mattivi, the headquarters lacked a command post to coordinate law enforcement emergencies. Additionally, it did not have dedicated classroom space, an indoor firing range, an evidence processing room, kennel facilities for K-9s, an incinerator, or agent equipment lockers.
According to Mattivi, the headquarters failed to meet external security standards due to the absence of fencing and insufficient property for a stand-off perimeter. The two KBI buildings are separated by an alley, which employees must walk through to move between them.
“We find ourselves in a rather unfavorable neighborhood,” Mattivi expressed, emphasizing that he did not intend to be unkind. “When our employees traverse the alley between the two buildings, they frequently encounter homeless individuals and individuals struggling with drug addiction. Unfortunately, these are the elements that surround the KBI building.”
According to KBI Director Mattivi, consultants and state officials explored various options for the agency’s headquarters, including renovating the existing buildings, relocating to vacant office space, and constructing a new facility. Ultimately, the decision was made to build a state-of-the-art headquarters spanning 134,000 square feet on a spacious seven to nine-acre plot in Topeka.
According to Rep. Will Carpenter, a Republican from El Dorado and member of the legislative budget committee, he believes that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) should provide the 2025 Legislature with estimates for the cost of renovating their current administrative facility.
Carpenter emphasized the need to consider the entire situation when examining the matter.
Republican Rep. Kyle Hoffman of Coldwater suggests that the Legislature should consider other options, such as acquiring vacant office spaces to be utilized by the KBI.
Mattivi explained that the estimated cost of constructing a new headquarters is $114.4 million, taking into account the updated plan for square footage and construction expenses. A previous proposal had initially estimated the cost to be under $95 million. It is important to note that these estimates do not include the expenses associated with acquiring the land.
The KBI has begun evaluating land in the Topeka area for a new headquarters, as they anticipate a competitive bidding process for land and construction, according to Mattivi.
Mattivi passionately urged the Legislature to approve $1.6 million in funding dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity upgrades at the KBI.
“The director emphasized the sensitivity of the information we possess, highlighting the potentially disastrous consequences of a data breach.”
The KBI has recommended that the state allocate $1.2 million for specialized equipment at its main laboratory in Topeka. Alongside this, they have also proposed an appropriation of $500,000 to address deficiencies in their computer system used for tracking offenders and $239,000 to enhance recruitment and retention efforts, particularly for information technology professionals.
The KBI has been progressing with planning for a new agency laboratory at Pittsburg State University. The university generously donated the land for the project, and the Legislature has allocated $40 million towards its development. The remaining funding will be sourced from the federal government.
Construction on the Southeast Kansas laboratory is expected to commence in June 2025, which is approximately six months later than initially projected. According to Mattivi, the laboratory is set to be operational by December 2026.
