Legal Definitions - stationhouse

A stationhouse refers to a building that serves as the primary operational base for a local police force or a specific division within a larger police department. It is where police officers report for duty, conduct administrative tasks, and often includes facilities for temporarily holding individuals who have been arrested.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of the term:

• After a long night patrol, Officer Miller returned to the stationhouse to complete his incident reports and prepare for the next shift briefing.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates the stationhouse as the central administrative hub where officers perform their duties, such as filing paperwork and attending meetings.

• Following his arrest for public intoxication, Mr. Henderson was taken to the local stationhouse for processing and temporary detention until he could be released or appear before a judge.

  Explanation: Here, the term refers to the facility where individuals are brought after an arrest, including the areas for booking and temporary holding, often known as a lockup.

• A neighborhood watch coordinator visited the precinct stationhouse to discuss recent crime trends with the community liaison officer and explore new prevention strategies.

  Explanation: This illustrates the stationhouse as a public point of contact where community members can interact directly with law enforcement to report concerns, seek information, or collaborate on safety initiatives.