About the Department

Leadership

The Lorain Police Department is led by the Chief of Police and command staff who oversee daily operations, administration, and community engagement.

Command Staff standing together

Divisions & Units

The Lorain Police Department is made up of specialized divisions and units that support patrol operations, investigations, and community safety.

  1. 1 Detective assessing a scene of crash
  2. 2 Detectives conducting an investigation
  3. 3 Detective looking for clues
  4. 4 Patrol Cruiser in a parking lot
  5. 5 Patrol Officers standing by their vehicle
  6. 6 Traffic Patrol examining a crash

Operational & Investigative Division

The Operational & Investigative Division is responsible for frontline response, proactive enforcement, and follow-up investigations. This division addresses immediate public safety needs while conducting thorough investigations to support accountability and prosecution.

Operational & Investigative Units

Patrol Operations – Uniformed officers who provide 24/7 response to calls for service throughout the City of Lorain. Patrol officers handle emergencies, conduct proactive enforcement, and engage with the community to maintain public safety.

Criminal Investigations Division (CID) – Detectives assigned to investigate felony and major criminal cases. The division gathers evidence, conducts interviews, and works with prosecutors and partner agencies to support successful case outcomes.

Traffic Division – Focuses on enforcing traffic laws, investigating crashes, and promoting roadway safety. The division works to reduce impaired driving, speeding, and other high-risk behaviors that contribute to collisions.

Narcotics & Special Investigations – Conducts investigations involving illegal drug activity and other specialized criminal matters. The unit works to disrupt criminal networks and collaborates with regional and federal partners when appropriate.

Patrol Impact Team (PIT) – A proactive enforcement unit that targets violent crime, illegal firearms, and narcotics activity. Using data-driven strategies, the team focuses on high-crime areas to reduce criminal activity and enhance community safety.

  1. 1 K-9 handler and his dog during training exercise
  2. 2 Lorain Police K-9 carrying a training object during skills exercise
  3. 3 K-9 Handler and his dog laying in grass
  4. 4 K-9 Handler beside his dog
  5. 5 Lorain Police SWAT officers staged during a tactical operation
  6. 6 SWAT Team during training exercise
  7. 7 SWAT vehicle used during raids
  8. 8 Officer wearing a gas mask
  9. 9 Lorain Police officers in protective gear during crowd control training
  10. 10 Marine.Patrol
  11. 11 Diver with his head above the water
  12. 12 Diver swimming in the water
  13. 13 Drone on pavement before take off
  14. 14 Officer operating a drone
  15. 15 Officer operating a drone

Specialized Response Division

The Specialized Response Division provides advanced capabilities and specialized expertise to support critical incidents, emergency operations, and complex public safety situations.

Specialized Response Units

K-9 Unit – Specially trained police service dogs and handlers who assist with patrol operations, suspect apprehension, narcotics detection, tracking, and evidence recovery. The K-9 Unit enhances officer safety and investigative effectiveness.

SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) – A highly trained unit that responds to high-risk and critical incidents, including armed barricades, hostage situations, and other dangerous scenarios requiring specialized tactics and equipment.

Crisis Negotiations Team – Trained personnel who respond to incidents involving individuals in crisis, working to de-escalate situations and promote safe, peaceful resolutions whenever possible.

Marine Patrol – Officers assigned to patrol waterways within the City of Lorain, responding to boating incidents, water-related emergencies, and public safety concerns along the shoreline and river areas.

Underwater Recovery Team – Specially trained divers who conduct underwater searches and recovery operations in support of criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and other public safety needs.

Drone Operations – Department-operated unmanned aerial systems used to provide situational awareness during critical incidents, search and rescue efforts, and emergency response operations, while operating in accordance with department policy and applicable regulations.

  1. 1 Dispatchers sitting in communications room.
  2. 2 Dispatchers sitting in communications room with Officer standing by.
  3. 3 Dispatcher sitting in communications room.
  4. 4 Dispatchers sitting in communications room with staff around table.

Communications Division

The Communications Division supports public safety operations through emergency response coordination and department-wide information management. This division ensures timely communication between the public, officers, and the community.

Dispatch Services

Dispatch Services – Dispatchers serve as the primary point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls for police service. Operating 24 hours a day, they answer calls, gather critical information, prioritize incidents, and coordinate officer response. Dispatch personnel play a vital role in ensuring accurate communication, rapid response, and overall public and officer safety.

Digital Communications

Community Engagement Specialist – Responsible for managing the department’s digital presence, public information distribution, and online communication platforms. This role oversees website content, public updates, transparency initiatives, and social media engagement to ensure accurate, timely, and professional communication with the community while maintaining compliance with city policies and public records standards.

  1. 1 School Resource Officer helping aid students
  2. 2 Group photo of community members, city leaders, and Lorain Police at an outdoor ice skating event.
  3. 3 Officers carrying the casket of a fallen Officer
  4. 4 Chaplain attending a ceremony
  5. 5 Honor Guard Officer protecting a casket during ceremony

Community Services Division

The Community Services Division strengthens partnerships between the department and the community through engagement, education, and prevention initiatives. This division focuses on building trust, supporting youth programs, and promoting collaborative public safety efforts.

Community-Focused Units

School Resource Officers (SROs) – Assigned to local schools to enhance campus safety, build positive relationships with students and staff, and serve as a resource for safety education and prevention efforts.

Chaplains – Provide emotional and spiritual support to officers, department personnel, and members of the community during times of crisis, tragedy, or personal need.

Community Outreach Team – Works closely with residents, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen partnerships, promote safety initiatives, and build trust through engagement, education, and public events.