Dayton, Ohio – In a proactive move to improve safety in the heart of the city, the City of Dayton has announced plans to open a temporary police substation in the Central Business District (CBD) by March 2026. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA), will be housed in a vacant RTA-owned building at the corner of Third and Main Streets, next to the RTA Wright Stop Transit Center.
The substation will serve as a visible and accessible base for officers assigned to the downtown area. Its location places them in the middle of high pedestrian and transit activity, allowing for quicker response times and increased interaction with residents, business owners, and visitors.
“Maintaining a safe and welcoming downtown is a top priority for our city,” said Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. “The CBD has not had a patrol district office located downtown since 2012, and this substation is a key step in ensuring officers are highly visible and accessible.”
The move comes as Dayton continues long-term planning for a permanent downtown police station, to be built at the corner of Fourth and St. Clair Streets. Construction for that facility is expected to begin in 2027, with a projected opening in late 2029. The temporary substation serves as a bridge solution to maintain public confidence and deter criminal activity in the downtown area during the transition.
“This substation is a practical solution that allows us to maintain a strong police presence downtown today, while planning and building the permanent station for the future,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “Partnering with RTA puts officers in a central, high-traffic location, giving them the tools and proximity they need to serve the community effectively—with minimal cost to Dayton taxpayers.”
City officials emphasize that re-establishing a law enforcement base within the CBD is a crucial investment in public safety and neighborhood vitality. By placing officers in a central and accessible location, Dayton aims to foster a stronger relationship between the police and the community they serve.
