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29 C0l1l111UIlUy Facilities & Services Chapter 8 Chapter 8 of the La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update 2000-2020 addresses the needs of future community facilities and services. Since the plan was adopted by City Council a number of steps have been taken to meet the goals. They are outlined below, relative to their appropriate goal in the plan. GOAL 8.1: Maintain adequate provision of police services and continue to fulfill the mission of the Police Department. OBJ. 8.1a: Support the acquisition of state-of-the-art technologies and other resources that will assist the Department in providing adequate services. Since adoption of the plan the Police Department has moved forward with the program to build a new Police facility at 23rd Street and Spencer Hwy. The building, which will also house the Emergency Operations Center, is slated for construction to be complete by April 2007. The Police Department has upgraded its capabilities in the patrol car by obtaining in car video systems for each vehicle and implementing a Laptop program for the vehicles. Officers are able to sign out a laptop to allow the running of registrations, outstanding warrants and other inquiries directly from the vehicle. The Department, through grant funds, is scheduled to upgrade their radio communications to the Regional Radio System, which will allow the Department to communicate more effectively with surrounding agencies. The Police Department has maintained its staffing levels consistently with the national standard as established by the FBI's "Crimes in the United States" report. Additionally, the Department has created a Bicycle Patrol program targeting Narcotics, specific criminal activity, and security. The Police Department has applied for and received grant awards from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Criminal Justice Division, and the Attorney General's Office. OBJ. 8.1.b: Continue to enhance the skill and knowledge of the police force with educational and training programs. The Police Department has expanded its training programs and initiated new programs to address specific issues. Supervisors have been sent to Supervisor and Leadership training courses, and officers have been sent to schools to develop their skills. Officers have been trained in the use of less lethal munitions as well as Critical Incident Techniques. OBJ. 8.1.c: Address the concerns regarding drugs through implementation of community education and effective law enforcement strategies. The Police Department has expanded its efforts in addressing the concerns of drugs within the Community. Due to its participation in and with various agencies, the Department has been able to conduct extensive long-term narcotics investigations with a great deal of success. The Bike Patrol program has additionally provided an impact in dealing with, detecting, and arresting street level violators. Information from our citizens allows the Special Operations Division the ability to focus and develop cases. Since the events of September 11, 2001 the Department has increased its capabilities and is mindful of Homeland Security issues with participation in Homeland Security efforts to protect the area from possible attacks.