Ask any lifelong resident of Lawrence how the city has changed, and that individual will be sure to converse with you for hours. The city limits, population and businesses all continue to grow at astonishing rates. Even the newest resident can drive along the perimeter of the city and notice significant expansion.

The city has experienced a number of growing pains along the way and dealt with them in typical Lawrence fashion. Not only has it been able to grow and expand for the better, but the city has retained that special quality that is Lawrence. Many people who have visited Lawrence remark about its benefits and comfortable feel. Even though Lawrence has grown to be the sixth-largest city in Kansas, it has been able to retain that wonderful small-town lifestyle. Residents can enjoy the convenience of a large city by taking advantage of the excellent shops, restaurants and university activities. They also can experience the simple pleasure of attending a concert in the park on a warm summer night.

While Lawrence contends with fast-paced growth, many city services are affected. City budgets, the work force and services are stretched due to the increased workload inherent with such progress. All city departments, including the Lawrence police, are required to do more with their current resources.

One of the police department’s most important goals is to continue providing the highest-quality service and response to the community. Faced with increases in calls for service, criminal activity and an unprecedented volume of traffic on our streets, the department has turned to new technologies to increase our efficiency. The police officers in Lawrence are some of the most technologically- equipped, best-trained officers in the Midwest. The average patrol officer in Lawrence is capable of handling complex investigations that would normally be reserved for detectives in other jurisdictions. By increasing our efficiency, the department is able to contend with the increasing workload and still have time to provide that personal touch.

Today, residents can still see officers on foot patrol downtown or during one of our community’s many events such as Art in the Park, Band Day or Haskell Pow Wow. The men and women who make up the police department are Lawrence residents. They participate in local Boy Scouts, Girls State, junior high football and other cultural and social community activities. They have a vested interest in maintaining those aspects every resident has come to love.

Our city is fortunate to have retained that safe hometown feeling. As Lawrence continues to attract families and businesses and absorbs the associated growth, Lawrence police will continue to work diligently to provide the best police service available within the confines of our resources.