Serious crime and crime overall have significantly decreased with 2024 being the 2nd lowest crime count in statistical history. Overall, 2021 was the lowest year for crime. In comparison to 20 years ago, serious crime has decreased by 59% and overall crime numbers decreased by 62%.
Clearance rates are an indicator of how departments measure their ability to solve crime. The department exceeded the national average in ALL types of crime. That is admirable. This information is important for you to know that we do a great job at solving crime in the city.
Regarding the training that our officers receive, all officers receive annual training that incorporates certain types of training required by MPOETC. This annual training usually includes legal updates, firearms, first aid/CPR and includes training based on relevant situations occurring in our country- like right now de-escalation, use of force, etc.….
The city also conducts its own training on top of what is required by MPOETC. The supplemental annual training includes use of force, use of the Taser, de-escalation and scenario training based on changes in the law. Also, only a portion of our officers had received sensitivity training until 2020 when I mandated it for ALL employees. Through a partnership with Crisis Intervention, all patrol officers and supervisors have received this training. We also have had a conversation with Crisis Intervention on ways to create a more inclusive working/training relationship.
The city implemented a Body Worn Camera Program. There are several reasons that we use BWCs. They can improve officer accountability, improve community relations, enhance officer training, and improve evidence quality or make cases easier to prosecute.
The City has a policy and procedures in place for complaints and investigations against officers. A completed written complaint form will be reviewed by the Captain or Chief. The complaint will be investigated. The complaint will be contacted to set up an interview concerning the complaint. An investigation will be conducted, including interviewing witnesses, and one of the following conclusions will be made:
Sustained– The incident is determined to have occurred and an assessment is made to determine the level of discipline, re-training, or counseling to be recommended to the officer(s).
Insufficient Facts– There are not enough facts to prove whether the incident occurred or not.
Exonerated-The incident occurred, but the Officer did not violate any laws or any City Police Policies or Procedures.
Unfounded– The investigation determined that the incident did not occur.
The complainant will be notified by the Chief or Captain of the findings & disposition of the investigation.
Trust is built when citizens feel that the police department listens and appropriately responds to their valid concerns and opinions. An accessible, fair, and transparent
complaint process is the hallmark of police responsiveness to the community. It is incumbent on the police department to make its citizens aware that a complaint process exists, how to file a complaint, and how the department processes and investigates complaints.
Concerning the discipline of patrol officers, when an Officer is alleged to have committed an offense, the Captain who is NOT a part of the bargaining unit, investigates and makes a recommendation to the Chief. If it is founded and represents a serious offense, then the Chief makes a recommendation to the Mayor for discipline. A decision for appropriate action is made in accordance with contractual and labor laws. If the officer does not agree with the action, the officer may appeal the decision to the Civil Service Commission, which body is made up of three citizens independent from the police department or Mayor’s Office or the officer may file a grievance. The last step of a grievance would be a hearing before an independent arbitrator, who is not affiliated with either party.
It is important to me and the members of the Lebanon Police Department to build relationships with our community members through interactions. These interactions can be made with local agencies and members of the public, creating partnerships and strategies for reducing crime and disorder.
The types of interactions that my Office and the police department are involved in on an ongoing basis vary: Neighborhood Watch Associations, National Night Out, Officer Friendly Show, Police Read to Me, Walk with a Cop and Walk with the Mayor, Bigs in Blue (Big Brothers & Big Sisters), and participating in other community events, not excluding an impromptu basketball game or catching a football with neighborhood kids. We have developed some long-tenured relationships with community members and organizations, and we will continue building on those critical connections.
I hope that the information shared with you is helpful in gaining a better understanding of police operations in the city. It is our intent to maintain and improve upon your trust. We are here to serve the people and provide law and order in a fair and transparent manner. That is our pledge.