1 Police Plaza

1 Police Plaza is the headquarters of the New York City Police Department in Lower Manhattan. The fifteen-story red brick cube stands on a multilevel base with corners that project outward, displaying a regular pattern of square windows.

Construction finished in 1973, replacing earlier police command facilities scattered across the city. The plan sought to bring administration, operations, and archives together under one roof.

The address refers to the building's location at the corner of Police Plaza, a street in the Civic Center district near City Hall. Its red brick grid and protruding corners shape the view from surrounding streets, giving the headquarters a strong geometric presence.

Public access is limited to specific entrances for citizen services, while most of the building remains restricted to staff. Expect security screening at entry points.

A bronze memorial sculpture listing fallen officers stands in the plaza outside the main entrance. The monument sees regular use during department ceremonies.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1973

Architects: Gruzen and Partners

Architectural style: brutalist architecture

GPS coordinates: 40.71220,-74.00168

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:06