Then they rise and carry their gear out to the marked cruiser. They search the back seat for
any weapons or contraband that may have been hidden by prisoners; they test the flashers and siren,
and check the shotgun. Now they are ready to go out and face the everyday challenges of being a
Lorain Police Officer... to protect and serve!
For over 32 years I’ve watched this daily ritual... the veterans who’ve seen it all,
the young rookies anxious to save the world... different faces and personalities for
sure... but the same commitment to the badge and everything that it stands for. It still
gives me goosebumps in a way that only a cop can understand. I’m still in awe of everything
that they do, day in and day out.
Maybe it’s the uniform that hasn’t changed much the last thirty years or maybe it’s the
feeling sometimes that we’re doing "God’s work." Maybe it’s the war stories or the incredible
courage and compassion that I have seen with my own eyes. Maybe it’s just the mystique of the
"street cop" and the danger willingly faced by these heroes every day; or maybe it’s the
infectious gallow humor that helps them cope with the daily dose of violence and pain. Not a
whole lot different than I saw in Vietnam in 1968.
Law Enforcement is a noble and honorable calling. Lorain Police Officers, and the dedicated
staff that supports them, are quality people who provide a valuable service to this community,
often at great risk to themselves. They deserve your gratitude and support. When you come in
contact with them, please take the time to recognize the humanity behind the badge... don’t just
see the uniform, look at their faces.
Not unlike police departments nationwide, the LPD is going through a transition period. As we
cope with the rapid social, economical, and technological changes in our society, we’re adapting
and expanding our mission so as to provide the best possible service for our citizens... you
deserve no less!
Lorain used to be a pretty tough town. Our E. 28th Street and Broadway corridors were filled
with bars and taverns from one end to the other; the homicide rate was unacceptably high and bar
fights, open drug dealing and prostitution were common, every day occurrences. As a result, the
LPD developed a tough, no-nonsense approach and it has served us well.
But times have changed... for the better. Crime is sufficiently under control so that we can
now take a more proactive approach to policing this great city. First and foremost, we must
recognize that crime is a community problem and not just a Police Department concern.
Our goal is to merge community and traditional policing to blend them into a policing model
for the future. This model of policing will maintain the finest attributes of traditional policing
and at the same time advance the philosophy of collaborative partnerships, geographic accountability,
and continue the problem solving strategies that our officers have implemented in the last couple of
years. We ask that you join us in our efforts so that together we can make Lorain a safer place to live.
The purpose of this website is to provide our citizens with some insight into the operations of the
Lorain Police Department and information that we hope you will find helpful about the services that we
offer. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding effort put forth by
Kathy Keiffer, Administrative Assistant
to the Chief of Police and Lieutenant Robert Poli for coordinating the upgrades to the existing website.
Please enjoy your visit on the site and take time to share your thoughts, criticisms, or
suggestions by e-mailing us or calling (440) 204-2100. We will continually strive to update
and improve the site so as to better serve the community of Lorain. Thank you for supporting
the men and women of the Lorain Police Department.
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