De Pere Police Department: A Brief Overview
The De Pere Police Department is a law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the city of De Pere, Wisconsin. With a rich history dating back to 1853, the department has evolved to become a modern and progressive police force, dedicated to serving the community and protecting its residents.
History of the De Pere Police Department
The De Pere Police Department was established in 1853, shortly after the city was incorporated. The first police force consisted of three part-time officers, who were responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order in the city. Over the years, the department has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. In the early 20th century, the department began to take on more responsibilities, including providing emergency medical services and operating a traffic unit.
Mission and Values
The De Pere Police Department’s mission is to protect and serve the community, providing fair and effective law enforcement services to ensure public safety and well-being. The department’s values are based on the following principles:
• Integrity: We conduct ourselves with honesty, integrity, and accountability, both on and off duty.
• Diversity: We recognize and respect the diversity of our community, and strive to build trust and understanding among all segments of society.
• Fairness: We are fair and impartial in our interactions with the public, and strive to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Courage: We have the courage to act with integrity, even in the face of danger or adversity.
• Community: We are committed to building and maintaining positive relationships with the community we serve.
Services Provided
The De Pere Police Department provides a wide range of services to the community, including:
• Law Enforcement: The department responds to emergency calls, conducts investigations, and makes arrests to ensure public safety and order.
• Community Policing: The department engages in community outreach and education programs, such as neighborhood watches, to build trust and relationships with the community.
• Traffic Enforcement: The department is responsible for enforcing traffic laws and regulations, and operates a traffic unit to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow.
• Emergency Medical Services: The department provides emergency medical services, including paramedic and emergency medical technician (EMT) services.
• Youth Services: The department offers youth programs, such as the Police Explorer Program, to educate and mentor young people.
Staff and Facilities
The De Pere Police Department has a staff of 32 sworn officers and 5 civilian employees, who work out of a 27,000 square-foot facility. The department has a variety of vehicles, including patrol cars, traffic units, and a motorcycle.
Statistics and Accolades
The De Pere Police Department has achieved numerous accolades and certifications, including:
• International Accreditation: The department has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 1997.
• National Certification: The department has received national certification from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) for its crime laboratory.
• Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association (WLEA) Award: The department received the WLEA’s Law Enforcement Award for Excellence in 2019.
• De Pere City Award: The department received the De Pere City Award for outstanding service to the community in 2020.
Conclusion
The De Pere Police Department is a highly respected and accredited law enforcement agency, committed to protecting and serving the community. With a rich history and a strong foundation, the department continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the community. The department’s values and mission are centered around providing fair and effective law enforcement services, and building trust and relationships with the community.
