Office of the Chief of Police
The Chief of Police has responsibility for planning, organizing, and managing the efficient and effective operation of the Lorain Police Division; assuring that laws and ordinances are enforced, that criminal offenders are identified and apprehended, that measures are implemented to prevent crimes and to protect lives and property. Work includes determining overall plans and policies to be followed in conducting police operations, manpower planning and deployment, division budgeting and goal and objective setting.

Office of Professional Standards
The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for the investigation of all major misconduct complaints filed against members of the Department. The unit is also charged with conducting staff inspections of various organizational components and activities to insure the highest level of integrity, performance and adherence to policies and procedures.

Patrol Operations Bureau
The Patrol Operations Bureau exists to provide primary police services to the community. These services include preventive patrol, emergency response, traffic supervision and enforcement, and a variety of other service-oriented functions in the most efficient and efficient manner possible, given available resources. A Captain commands the Patrol Operations Bureau and is responsible for overseeing the following functions: Uniform Division, Traffic Services, K-9, SWAT, Crisis Negotiations, Marine Patrol/Underwater Recovery Team, C.O.P.S., the Police Auxiliary, and the Communications Center.

Criminal Investigations Bureau
The investigative section is comprised of four units, which include:

• Detective Division
• Auto Theft Investigations
• Youth Services Unit
• Narcotic & Special Investigations Unit
• School Resource Officer

Although separate and individual, the function of each unit is basically the same: Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations on criminal offenses. Gather information and evidence, which ultimately leads to the identification, apprehension, prosecution and conviction of criminal offenders. The investigators document all information and evidence in report form which is then forwarded to either the Municipal or County Prosecutor. They continue to assist the Prosecutor throughout the judicial procedure until case closure.

Support Services Bureau
The Support Services Bureau of the Police Department performs a variety of functions, serving both the employees of the Department and the citizens of the City. The Records & Information Section of the Bureau provides central record-keeping for all other sections of the Department, as well as preparing copies of records and reports for interested parties. The Jail Section operates a 32-bed jail that is certified by the State of Ohio to incarcerate prisoners up to 5 days. The Evidence Section processes and secures all items of evidentiary and proprietary interest to the Department. The Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator provides support and direction to the maintenance and care of the Department's fleet of vehicles. The Support Services Bureau also oversees the Communication/Dispatch Center.

Lorain Police Auxiliary
The purpose and objective of The Lorain Police Auxiliary is to supplement the Lorain Police Department in the performance of certain duties as determined by the Director of Public Safety and the Chief of the Lorain Police Department.

Lorain Police Explorers
The purpose of the Exploring program is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to explore the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and in their communities. If you have an interest in the career of Law Enforcement, then joining a Police Explorer Post is your first step towards a exciting and fullfilling career in police work. Law Enforcement Exploring is only an introduction to the police profession. Career surveys conducted in high schools throughout the country demonstrate a significant level of student interest in law enforcement and criminal justice.

Police Chaplain Program
The department is in the planning stages of implementing a Police Chaplaincy Program. This program is designed to assist police personnel in handling a variety of crisis situations and to provide police and citizens with the best possible service in the time of personal crisis or tragedy.

It involves a select group of ordained clergy who are provided the essential guidelines in handling emergency matters such as death notifications, aggravated domestic problems, contemplated or attempted suicides, etc. This service provides responsible, ordained members of the clergy who will be on call to assist police when requested. This assistance often involves complex problems requiring a high degree of sensitivity; therefore, specialized training is extensive for this ministry.