LEGO Police Station (10278) Review – The Set That Made Me a LEGO Addict
After finishing the Bookshop (10270)—my first-ever modular—I told myself I was “just testing the waters” of LEGO Modular Buildings. Nothing serious. Just a casual build. No way was I about to become one of those people with an entire LEGO city taking over their house.
Then, I saw the LEGO Police Station (10278) on sale and thought, “Well, it’s a discount… might as well.”
And that, my friends, is how my LEGO addiction truly began.
Unlike the Bookshop, which was a nice, charming build, the Police Station was the set that made me realize I was in this for the long haul. Let’s break down why.
🏗️ The Build: A Modular That Keeps You Hooked
The Bookshop was a fun build, but it didn’t have anything mind-blowing in terms of techniques. The Police Station? Completely different story.
From the moment I started building, I knew this set was special. There were so many layers of storytelling, clever techniques such as the stairway, the facade and the string of plants on the wall, and hidden Easter eggs that I found myself genuinely excited to see what the next bag of bricks would bring.
✔️ A Fully Fleshed-Out Police Station – This wasn’t just a basic building with desks and jail cells—it actually felt like a working police station.
✔️ A Crime Story Built Into the Set – There’s an ongoing mystery happening right in the build itself (more on that later).
✔️ Satisfying Architecture – The facade, the rooftop, the staircases—it all felt elevated compared to what I had built before.
This wasn’t just a nice build—it was a set that told a story while you built it.
🏆 Build Rating: 9/10
More engaging, clever, and detailed than I expected.
🏢 Design & Display: A Strong, Classic Look
The Police Station commands attention in a way the Bookshop never did. It’s bold, solid, and packed with detail.
Instead of a cozy, small-town feel, this set has big-city energy. The classic tan color, the neatly aligned windows, and the ornate rooftop details make it feel like a proper city building.
✔️ The Police Station Stands Out – Unlike some modulars that blend in, this one has a real presence on display.
✔️ Side Buildings Add Personality – The donut shop and newspaper stand aren’t just filler—they actually enhance the scene.
✔️ It Integrates Perfectly with Other Modulars – Whether you put it next to the Bookshop, Jazz Club, or Town Hall, it fits right in.
🏆 Display Rating: 9/10
A beautifully structured modular with tons of personality.
🎭 Easter Eggs & Hidden Storyline: LEGO at Its Best
What makes this set so special is that it’s not just a police station—there’s an entire crime story happening inside the build.
🕵️♂️ The Donut Thief Plotline – A criminal mastermind is stealing donuts from the shop next door. Evidence is scattered throughout the set, from hidden escape routes to stolen pastries stashed away in unexpected places.
📰 The Newspaper Office Connection – The newspaper stand outside is reporting on the crime, adding to the overall storytelling.
🔍 Secret Passageways & Fun Details – There’s a hidden tunnel, tiny jail details, and even a corkboard with “case files” pinned up.
This is where LEGO outdoes itself. They didn’t just make a police station—they made an interactive crime scene you get to uncover as you build.
🏆 Easter Egg Rating: 10/10
So far one of the best storytelling modulars LEGO has ever made.
👮 Minifigures: Better, But Still Not Perfect
Let’s be honest—LEGO doesn’t always give us the best minifigs in modulars.
That being said, the Police Station’s minifig selection is WAY better than the Bookshop’s.
👮 Police Officers (x3) – Pretty standard, but they add to the realism.
🍩 The Donut Thief – Easily the most entertaining minifig in the set.
📰 Newspaper Vendor – A great addition to the storytelling.
While I would have loved a few more unique figures, I appreciate that they actually feel connected to the build.
🏆 Minifigure Rating: 7/10
Better than some modulars, but still not LEGO’s best lineup.
🔹 Final Verdict: The Set That Made Me an AFOL for Life
If the Bookshop was my gateway drug, the Police Station was the full addiction.
This was the set that made me realize:
✅ LEGO Modulars are on another level of creativity.
✅ I absolutely needed to collect more.
✅ My wallet was about to suffer.
If you’re considering getting into LEGO Modulars, this is the perfect set to convince you to go all in.
Final Ratings:
🏗 Build Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – One of the most engaging modular builds.
🏢 Design & Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – A real statement piece in any city.
🎭 Easter Eggs & Storytelling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – One of LEGO’s best hidden-story modulars.
👮 Minifigures: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Good, but could be better.
📌 Overall Score: 8/10 – A must-have for LEGO collectors.
Would I Recommend It?
✔️ YES – If You Love Modulars with a Story. The hidden details and ongoing donut thief storyline make this an incredibly fun build.
✔️ YES – If You Want a Strong Display Piece. The Police Station’s design is classic and timeless.
❌ MAYBE NOT – If You Prefer Open Interiors. Some AFOLs prefer modulars with big, spacious interiors—this one is more compact.
What Do You Think?
Did the Police Station turn you into a LEGO addict, too? What’s your favorite modular? Let’s talk LEGO in the comments! ⬇️🚔🍩
