The newest Federal Way police substation is a prime example of community-oriented policing, said Federal Way police Chief Andy Hwang.

The Federal Way Police Department opened a new substation in the Twin Lakes neighborhood on June 13.

The Twin Lakes Substation was established in partnership with the Twin Lakes Homeowners Association and Twin Lakes Plaza ownership, who donated the space.

“Being able to do this without rent or any extra cost to the city is a huge deal,” said Mayor Jim Ferrell at the opening celebration.

The new substation is located in the Twin Lakes Plaza, between the homeowners association office and Twin Lakes Grocery.

Having the substation in Twin Lakes will improve police response time and the area will have more police visibility, Hwang said.

FWPD now has five substations throughout the four sectors of Federal Way; officers are assigned to a specific sector for an entire year whether it’s day, night or swing shift.

“Our expectation is that when officers hit the field, they stay in their sector,” Hwang said.

At police substations, officers can complete paperwork and case reports, process arrestees, do email, have meetings or interview citizens, and other duties without traveling back to the main police station.

Sector one encompasses the west side of Federal Way, which includes the Twin Lakes neighborhood.

Officers in each sector get to know the area’s residents, businesses and problem spots well, Hwang said.

“People want to feel safe in their community,” Hwang said. “Having increased foot traffic, bicycle, or patrol officers coming and going will have an impact on how people feel when it comes to safety and it will actually make it safer having officers in the area.”

The HOA initially brought the idea to the FWPD as the organization thought it would benefit the area to have a police substation nearby, Hwang said.

“I think it’s going to enable us to have a much safer neighborhood here,” said Court Pixton, property owner of the plaza.

The city is planning to move computer resources to the substation to ensure the space is frequently used and occupied, Ferrell said. The substation is currently open and operational with additional resources to come in the near future.

“There is nothing more important than your safety and the safety of our homes and our community and our families,” Ferrell said.

The Twin Lakes Substation is located at 3420 SW 320th St. in suite B2.

FWPD Twin Lakes Substation opening on Thursday, June 13. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Mayor Jim Ferrell speaks at the Twin Lakes Substation opening. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang speaks at the Twin Lakes Substation opening. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo

Maps of Federal Way’s sectors hang on the wall at the new substation. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo