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Public Safety plays a vital role in our community and I am very proud of our Police and Fire Departments.
Lafayette Police Department
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In the last eight years the Lafayette Police Department has achieved an even higher level of professionalism, efficiency and community involvement.
The department has completed its second strategic plan, covering 2011 to 2015. This plan builds on the success of its earlier plan, which included launching many new programs and initiatives. |
The 2011-2015 plan identifies goals and objectives to meet the demands of a growing community and enhance relationships with citizens and neighborhood groups.
Professionalism, Efficiency
All patrol personnel, officers, detectives and commanders are highly trained, and continuing education and professional development are top priorities.
The Lafayette Police Department takes a multifaceted approach to patrol operation and investigations. Shifts are designed for maximum efficiency and officer morale.
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The department has implemented bicycle and foot patrols in designated areas to increase visibility and interaction with citizens. This supplements the department’s outstanding street crimes unit, major investigation team, crime scene investigator, crime scene technicians, criminal analyst and special weapons and tactics team. |
| The department has four K-9 units, an expanded Traffic Department, and a number of outstanding civilian employees who provide support services in our communications center and records division. A volunteer handles a very successful graffiti abatement program. |
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To protect children, the Lafayette Police Department developed a strong relationship with Purdue University’s computer science department to solve computer crimes. This assistance has led to the arrest of those preying on Lafayette’s young people. Purdue personnel also have been instrumental in expanding the police department’s knowledge of computer forensics. The police department also has a sex offender verification program.
The Lafayette Police Department is a leader in use of technology for crime fighting and problem solving. Some of the high-tech tools in use are sophisticated software; in-car computers, cameras and electronic evidence-tracking programs; and surveillance cameras at strategic locations.
Community Focus
The department continues to implement community-oriented policing in both its patrol and investigative divisions, and a lieutenant of community outreach has been named.
A criminal analyst—an invaluable tool—is also on board, to give the department the tools needed to work with citizens to solve problems.
The police website is designed to be easy to use by residents and an efficient way to communicate with citizens.
In 2010, the department began using Nixle Services to send e-mail and text messages to notify residents of certain situations occurring in our community. The Department is now using a web-based project called CrimeReports.com. Citizens can see daily what crime is occurring in their neighborhood. This allows citizens and neighborhood watch groups to truly become partners with the police officers to help solve crimes and prevent future crimes.
Outreach efforts also include the volunteers-in-policing program, bringing dedicated citizens into the police department to complete tasks, which keeps officers on the street. The department continues to present the Citizens Academy, a 10-week program teaching residents about its operations. The Weed and Seed program continues efforts to coordinate a community-based program to help control and prevent crime.
Fire Department
It has been an exciting three and one-half years for our Fire Department. We have created a 16-member Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team, greatly enhancing our response time to potential drowning incidents. We have increased our Tactical Response Unit from 16 members to 21 members. In 2004, we had six state certified technicians in hazardous materials and today we have 45.
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We have worked to ensure that our firefighters have the very best equipment. All frontline apparatus now have thermal imagining cameras. We also replaced all of our self-contained breathing apparatus. The department also acquired and equipped a 32-foot Hazmat trailer. The Lafayette Fire Department was very successful in working with FEMA, Fairfield Township, and TEMA to secure grants that paid for a significant portion of this equipment.
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Our firefighters are also now equipped with the state of the art M.S.A. Clear Command Helmet Communications System. In 2006, the Lafayette Fire Department became the first department in Indiana to deploy the M.S.A. Accountability System, which is an electronic safety system that monitors our firefighters’ air supply, air temperature, and movement. Earlier this year, we took possession of a Quint fire truck, paid for by Fairfield Township. This new truck is an important addition to our fleet. |
This upgraded equipment, along with our first class training, helps ensure the safety of our firefighters and allows them to respond more effectively to save lives and property. These improvements and others were recognized by the ISo who improved the City’s rating from a 5 to a 3 putting us in the top 1% in Indiana and top 5% in the United States.
This is a tremendous plus for our community.
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