Welcome to another edition of The City Beat where we provide you with information to help you feel Safe and Secure. If you are enjoying The City Beat, let us know and if you are not, tell us what we can do to make it better. One of our improvements is the creation of The City Beat web page. Now you can go back and see all the stories from past editions, in one place. This new page will help you keep up with our stories.
In this edition you will learn about our robust Active Shooter training for the community. In our world, violence has become so common. When I was a kid, we did tornado and fire drills because those were the biggest threats. Now we must think about school violence with active shooter drills. Our houses of worship have become another location for violence. Newly promoted Lieutenant Mike Cobb will discuss our community active shooter program.
Artificial Intelligence is making criminal activity sophisticated. With a “scraping” of your voice from social media, AI can create a clone of your voice. This clone can sometimes compromise your banking experience if you use voice recognition for security. Additionally, that phone call can now sound like it is coming from you! Now when your grandmother receives a ransom call, she may think it really is you asking for money. We will provide you with some tips so you can protect yourself from this new fraud scheme.
Taz is going to tell us what it is like being a police dog and you will get to know PO Alexander Sullivan as he answers our five questions.
Lastly, we are starting a new section called, “Off the Clock.” In this section, we will look at what your officers do when they are not at work. For this debut, you will get to learn all about my photography hobby. It’s been something I’ve done for almost my entire life and serves as not only a creative outlet but also a significant stress reliever. I hope you enjoy it. Future editions will feature other unique hobbies of your Lawrence police officers. We are truly a department as unique as the community we serve.
October 19, 2025
Is Lawrence Prepared to Effectively Respond to an Active Shooter?
Fear is Natural: Knowledge is Key
Just the thought of an active shooter event in Lawrence can cause anyone, especially parents of school-aged children, to nearly shake with fear.
“Is the Lawrence Kansas Police Department (LKPD) prepared for an active shooter event? The short answer is yes,” says LKPD Lieutenant Mike Cobb, who is certified to train officers and community groups. “I also know that short answer isn’t enough, and the community needs to trust it’s accurate.”
That’s why Cobb sat down to explain the training and tactics LKPD uses, including a mandatory advanced refresher course happening at LKPD throughout the month of October. Cobb says, “We devote a lot of time and attention to preparing for worst-case scenarios, and an active shooter event certainly rises to that level.’” He says there are also important tactics everyone needs to know.
LKPD’s Commitment to Officer Readiness
“We take the possibility of an active attack in Lawrence very seriously, and all of our officers are prepared,” says Sergeant Joshua Guile, who also teaches refresher courses to detectives, patrol officers, and command level staff.
This readiness is based on a core philosophy: immediate engagement. Officers are trained to go straight to the threat without waiting for backup. Neither trainer is shy about immediately addressing the main concern almost everyone they encounter has after watching news reports.
“I first tell them, ‘We are coming’. I need to say that because they all have that doubt at first,” says Cobb when he presents to groups in Lawrence. “We’re not stopping for locked doors, closed doors; we’re coming, and we are going right to the threat,” continues Cobb. At that point, he says, his group is ready to get past the fear and begin to learn.
Key Training Concepts for Law Enforcement:
• Aggressive Attack: Officers are trained to aggressively push toward the shooter, giving them tools to gain the
confidence to win a confrontation, even one-versus-two or against a person with a high-powered weapon. Officers will push to the threat to stop the killing, to end the incident as soon as possible. The object is to take the threat away from citizens and place it on the officers quickly.
• Constant Updates: Training is a continuous process. “The updates and retraining are critical. We don’t want to train in the past. We want to keep training for the future,” says Cobb. The department constantly follows national and global incidents to learn, adapt, and stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics.
This intense training is designed to embed the correct response so that when a high-stress situation like an active attack occurs, officers can rely on their training, including advanced breathing techniques, to make sound decisions.
Rich Lockhart
LKPD Chief of Police
Sgt. Josh Guile leads an active shooter scenario during this month’s training while Lt. Cobb and LKPD officers listen.
Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager
AI Voice Cloning Scams Hit Lawrence: What You Need to Know Partnering to Comfort Children
AI is making phone scams terrifyingly sophisticated—and they’re happening right here in Lawrence.
Just last month, a woman called emergency dispatch saying a man had a gun to her mother’s head and was demanding money. The caller ID was from her mother’s phone, and she heard her mother’s voice in the background. She did the right thing and called police.
As officers arrived, they learned the woman’s brother received the same call, and the mother was not answering the phone.
Utilizing a shared location app, officers tracked the mother’s phone to her workplace. Just as they were preparing to surround the building, the location moved. The car was spotted on the road with a man and woman inside, leading to a high-risk (felony) vehicle stop
High risk vehicle stops are inherently dangerous for everyone involved. This type of stop is used when law enforcement has a reason to believe the vehicle’s occupants are involved in a serious crime or are armed and dangerous. Once the car of interest stops, officers draw their weapons, and command the subjects to step from the vehicle, with visible hands, and walk toward them backwards, then handcuff the person to continue the investigation safely.
Thankfully, both occupants complied, and the woman was simply driving a man she knew to go pick up his car.
Unfortunately, many of these types of cases go unsolved because they originate from overseas, making them nearly impossible to trace. Awareness is your best defense. Keep these tips in mind to help you and your family stay safe and secure.
SCAMS Continued on page 4
By Adam Heffley
Deputy Chief
Now that we’ve gathered three quarters worth of numbers for 2025, we’re getting a better sense of how the department is doing on its key progress indicators developed within the City’s Strategic Plan, which are displayed in charts throughout this edition of “The City Beat”.
NIBRS Crimes (National Incident Based Reporting System)
Locally, we have seen a statistically significant drop from last year to this year in Crimes Against Property reported to the department. While this could be a function of less reporting of incidents, the Lawrence Kansas Police Department (LKPD) has multiple ways to report a crime including having an officer respond to the scene, speaking with a Community Service Technician, or making an online report. There is also a significant increase in Crimes Against Society which include things like drug offenses, weapons violation, and animal cruelty to name a few.
Calls for Service Chart
The Lawrence Police Department has typically received between 2900 and 3900 Calls for Service from community members requesting a police response. Patrol officers also generate an additional 2700 to 4100 calls during the month. The self-generated calls can be anything from stopping a car for a traffic violation to observing a more serious crime in progress. We will typically see an increase in Calls for Service during the third quarter of the year as many students return to Lawrence and the population increases. This doesn’t necessarily indicate the students cause crime or mayhem, but the increase in population leads to an increase in many different things.
Top 5 Call Locations
We use the Top 5 Call Locations initiated by community members to, in part, direct patrol resources. We also use this information as a starting point to work with community partners, businesses, and landlords in addressing ongoing issues and finding longer-term solutions. Some identified locations, such as a medical facility, will continue to appear because a person who is hurt or injured may seek medical help prior to calling 911. In other words, the police may be called to the hospital for an incident that occurred at another location in the city.
Alternative Service Delivery
The county Mental Health Team continues to respond to non-violent calls for service when they are able.
LKPD Chief Rich Lockhart’s wife, Laura Lockhart, along with other department representatives, were honored to attend the Shadow Buddies 30th Anniversary gala. The Lawrence Kansas Police Department recently announced its partnership with The Shadow Buddies Foundation to distribute its “Courageous Crew” comfort dolls.
The Shadow Buddies Foundation has been committed to providing specially designed dolls to children experiencing medical crisis for decades.
When Tyler Mosher lost her father, an Overland Park Police Officer, in the line of duty in 2020, she joined the cause as an ambassador. Now, as a University of Kansas freshman, she’s committed to making an impact.
The five “Courageous Crew” Buddies are a Police Officer, First Responder, Firefighter, Physician/ Nurse, and Military/Veteran. They are meant to comfort children of first responders who are forced to be away from their families and officers can give these Buddies to children they interact with during traumatic circumstances.
If you’d like to learn more or do-
https://www.shadowbuddies.org/
That team is separate from the LKPD Mental Health Team, which saw consistent staff reductions in 2025. The LKPD Mental Health Team’s response numbers will likely continue to decrease through next year due to additional staff reductions in the 2026 budget.
The department continues to staff Community Service Technicians, who are trained civilian report takers. Using trained civilians is a more cost-efficient way to respond to calls. These trained report technicians not only provide a great option for community members, they also create capacity for officers to attend to violent situations and respond to incidents where the legal authority to enforce the law is necessary.
Percentage of Resolved Cases Patrol and the Investigation Division continue to work towards a resolution in cases whenever possible. Case “Clearances” as the state reports them, represent a specific set of outcomes include when an arrest is made, the case has been declined by a prosecutor, the victim refuses to testify, etc. To this list of possible resolutions, we have added that a suspect was issued a citation
or summons to appear in court and an affidavit for charging was submitted to a prosecuting office. We continue to work on ways in which we can improve upon the resolution rate and that each case is given the attention it deserves.
Domestic Violence
The work on domestic violence cases is very important work. Not only responding to incidents that are occurring but also working with domestic violence survivors to connect them to resources and partners in the community to try and end the cycle of violence. Our Victim/Witness Coordinator reviews every reported incident of domestic violence and follows up to ensure that the victims have access to support services.
LKPD commanders analyze trends in these numbers as a strategy for continuous improvement. The data can help directly inform where we deploy officers, how we prioritize training, and where we need to add community partners in safety.
We are committed to this ongoing education and hope it exemplifies our dedication to creating a more safe and secure Lawrence.
nate to The Shadow Buddies Foundation, here’s a link.
donate
LKPD
Laura McCabe
LKPD Communications Manager
Officers conduct a high-risk traffic stop on the victim of an AI scam.
LKPD Detective Josh Leitner supports Shadow Buddies at the gala alongside his lifelong friend Mike Mosher’s daughter, Tyler Mosher.
Left: Laura Lockhart Right: Laura McCabe
Tyler Mosher, daughter of Officer Mike Mosher, holds up a cardboard copy of “Courageous Crew” Shadow Buddies alongside supporters.
I’m Taz, the newest, “best-est”, most energetic, and most modest LKPD K-9.
I’m four years old and have been protecting the people of Lawrence for two full years now. Even though I’m the youngest, I’m smart enough to
know I have the best job in the world. I get to hang out with my best friend, Officer Twite, all day and play games.
Most of the time they call it training. OK. Call it what you want, but I think that’s a fancy word for Hideand-Seek. We do it all the time—in the car, at the station, even out in the big parks around Lawrence. I also really love to jump. One time, Officer Twite and I were near a creek, and he was blocking my view. He’s 6 feet 2 inches tall and I couldn’t see or smell the water, so I just jumped right over him from behind. Everyone got pretty excited. I just know I ended up closer to the creek, and that’s where my nose was taking me. My nose is my superpower.
Officer Twite is the best partner a dog could ask for. He’s always encouraging me, giving me praise, and
Teen Police Academy Student Hailed Hero
Congratulations to Free State High School senior Adrian Mendoza, who is credited with saving a woman’s life after skills he learned at the Lawrence Kansas Police Department’s Teen Police Academy.
Mendoza was working after school at a local independent living center when he noticed someone choking and another person struggling to help. His training took over and he took action. Mendoza correctly performed the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged the blockage.
“It was one of the best feelings I’ve
ever had in my life, to be honest,” Mendoza said. “It’s hard to describe. It’s like achieving a goal, but then you realize it’s more than just a goal. You’re letting another human being continue to live.”
LKPD’s Teen Police Academy runs for two weeks during the summer and is for anyone 14-18 years of age.
Students get an inside look into the police profession, learn defensive tactics, and become certified in lifesaving techniques like CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
Watch the Department’s social media pages, where registration opens in the spring, or talk to your School Resource Officer for a recommendation.
making sure I’m having fun. When I find something, he gets so excited, and then—the best part—I get my reward! Sometimes it’s my favorite chew toy; other times, it’s a big, hearty “good boy!”.
Even if it feels like play, I know I’m doing a big job. It feels good to help keep the people of Lawrence safe and secure. It also feels good to go home at night with Officer Twite and see my family, especially the small human
who asks about my day and brings me dinner.
It’s an exciting life, full of action, adventure, and as an energetic pup, getting to run and jump all day is a dream come true.
Keep an eye out for Officer Twite and me around town! Give us a friendly wave (but please, don’t try to pet me -- I’m on duty!).
Woof, and stay safe!
Taz
We ride to support active law enforcement, as well as the families of fallen officers.
Tass watches and waits while officers search a car involved in a pursuit.
Officer Austin Twite and Taz
K9 Taz maneuvers an obstacle course at the LKPD training center
Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager
Adrian Mendoza at the LKPD Teen Police Academy.
1. What is your superpower?
The gift of gab. Over the last seven years of my career, I’ve discovered a natural ability to connect with people through conversation. I often find myself talking with individuals from all walks of life, and I make a conscious effort to find common ground. I’ve learned to use this skill not just to build rapport, but also to help de-escalate tense situations and work toward peaceful, respectful resolutions.
2. Tell us a weird fact you happen to know for no reason.
The world’s largest mountain is located in the United States. Mauna Kea, in Hawaii, holds this title when measured from its base on the ocean floor to its summit, reaching a total height of
33,500 feet. This makes it taller than Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain above sea level but shorter than Mauna Kea when measured from base to summit.
3. What would be your walk-up song?
As a child of the 90’s the easy choice for a good hype song is “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men.
4. What is your favorite place in Lawrence?
I would have to say my favorite place in Lawrence is the Lawrence Loop—specifically the walking and biking trails near the Rock Chalk Sports Pavilion. It’s a great spot where I can go for a walk with my family, exploring the gravel trails and looking for wildlife. Or, when I’m in the mood for a ride, I can hop on my bike and get a few miles in on the loop.
5. What do you most enjoy about your job?
I genuinely enjoy the helping aspect of my job. I know it may sound cliché to say, “I just want to help people,” but it’s true—and it’s a big part of what I do. Often, I’m interacting with individuals during some of the lowest or most vulnerable moments of their lives. It’s not easy for someone to open up and accept help from a stranger, especially in those difficult times. That’s why it means so much to me to be in a position to offer support or guidance when it matters most. Putting on the uniform each day feels meaningful because I know I have the potential to positively impact someone’s life.
Beloved Community Hero and “Good Boy”
Laura McCabe LKPD Communications
The Lawrence Police Department lost one of its own on October 8, 2025. K9 C.B., affectionately known as Cheeseburger, died peacefully surrounded by family.
C.B. was 12 years old and enjoyed a celebrated career, alongside his handler retired Corporal Matt Weidl, until his retirement in 2023. Corporal Weidl then trained the department’s newest K9, Taz, and noticed C.B. needed a change in atmosphere. He seemed to get upset when Weidl
at Rest
headed to work without him.
During his retirement celebration, C.B., left to live with his new family, Sergeant Ron Ivener, his wife Nikki, and their 4 children.
“He fit into our family seamlessly and we will miss him terribly,” says Nikki Ivener. “There is a Cheeseburger sized hole in our hearts. He lived the last 2.5 years to the fullest with toys, treats, car rides and love. We feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to love him,” concludes Ivener.
Rest Easy Cheeseburger. Your life of service, sacrifice, and love will be remembered.
Continued from page 2
How AI voice-cloning scams work:
• Voice cloning: Scammers search publicly accessible social media, website, or voicemail greetings for audio clips. The audio clip is fed into an AI tool that learns speech patterns, accent, and mannerisms to create a highly accurate voice clone.
• Impersonation: The scammer calls you (often using “spoofing” technology to make the caller ID appear legitimate), plays the cloned voice, and makes an emergency plea.
• Demands for money: The scammer demands an immediate payment via an untraceable method like a wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Tips to Protect yourself from AI voice scams
Be skeptical of the voice
• Unnatural speech patterns: An overly smooth, steady pace, strange rhythm, or a lack of natural breathing sounds.
• Limited emotional depth: While the voice may sound distressed, the emotion can feel flat, hollow, or overly dramatic. Verify the caller
• Establish a code word: Establish a secret “safe word” or phrase with family members to use if someone calls in an emergency.
• Hang up and call back: If you get a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Do not redial the number that called you. Instead, call your loved one back using their legitimate, trusted number.
• Ask a personal question: Ask a question that only the real person would know, such as the name of a childhood pet or a shared inside joke. What to do if you’ve been targeted
• Do not send money: Never transfer money through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency based on an unsolicited phone call.
• Call police: File a report with the Lawrence Kansas Police Department or the jurisdiction where it happened and with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Community’s Chance to Honor the Dedication and Bravery of DouglasCounty First Responders!
Celebrate Bravery and Dedication: Valor Awards honor the selfless dedication and extraordinary bravery of first responders in Douglas County, KS.*
Recognize Valor: Highlight incredible acts of heroism, from life-saving rescues to protecting others.
Share Appreciation: Valor Awards is a heartfelt expression of gratitude from the community to first responders.
Honor Individuals: Acknowledge the achievements and dedication of first responders, spotlighting specific acts of bravery.
Emphasize Public Safety: Recognize the indispensable role of the first responders serving our community, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers.
Raise Awareness: Promote better understanding of the risks, challenges and sacrifices faced by first responders.
A Q&A with LKPD Officers
a tow company come out to open it up for free, depending on the circumstances.
Safe and Secure Key Progress Indicator 7:
LKPD measures the number of investigations resulting in an arrest, notice to appear in court, or referral for prosecution as a progress indicator in equity and inclusion. The numbers include cases with no possible law enforcement action such as death investigations, cases
I had a package stolen off my porch but now I’m not home. How can I file a police report?
There are many ways to file a police report where a police officer doesn’t come to your house. The Lawrence Kansas Police Department employs civilian mobile community service technicians who can take your report over the phone or meet you wherever you are in the city. You can also file a report on the Police Department’s website at LawrenceKS.gov/police. Just click the big red button that says “File a Police Report” on the home page. Only certain types of crimes can be reported online, but more information is available on the website. Please do not try to report crimes to our social media pages – they are not monitored 24/7 and we cannot take reports that way.
If I accidentally lock my keys in the car, can the police help me open it?
Unfortunately, we cannot open your car for you. We can help facilitate a locksmith or towing company to come open it up, but it’s a service you will have to pay for. If a car is locked and there is a child inside, we will either assist in opening it or have
Cars are parked in yards during football games near campus. I called to complain but the officer didn’t do anything about it. Why not?
The ordinance against parking vehicles in front and side yards is exempted in the area surrounding the football stadium on game days. In 2009 the City Commission decided to exempt the area from the ordinance that prohibits yard parking. The area is bordered by West Campus Road to Tennessee Street, and 9th Street to 14th Street.
What is the difference between the Lawrence Police Department and the University of Kansas Police Department?
LKPD and KUPD are two separate agencies. KUPD is responsible for patrolling area owned and controlled by the University They are a fully authorized law enforcement agency. We have responsibility over the rest of the city. However, both departments have what’s known as reciprocal jurisdiction, which means if KU needs assistance on campus, we have the legal authority to assist, and they have the legal authority to enforce the law anywhere in the city.
where victims choose not to participate in the judicial process, or missing persons investigations where the person returns home, etc. They are not clearance rates.
To move closer to the goal, the department will identify demographically
disproportionate numbers and provide community-based education and solutions. Partnerships and collaboration with community organizations will assist in this work along with officer training efforts such as de-escalation training and fair and impartial police training.
This progress indicator helps determine how well LKPD is working to support victims. The department’s advocacy team partners with community-based support and service organizations with the goal of reducing instances of sexual and domestic violence and assisting victims through their recovery. Assessing a victim’s
Drew Fennelly LKPD Sergeant
Empowering the Community
Empowering the community with the knowledge to increase their own safety is a vital part of the LKPD’s strategy. Lieutenant Cobb dedicates significant time to community outreach, “We love giving this presentation to the community because we believe in it,” Cobb says. “And we know that it empowers citizens instead of scaring them.”
The department’s public training emphasizes the principles of Avoid, Deny, Defend:
• Avoid (Evacuation): The highest correlation for survivability is avoidance—getting out of the building. Evacuation is the number one priority.
• Deny (Access): If you can’t get out, deny access to the attacker rather than simply hiding. This involves barricading doors and preparing to defend yourself. Hiding in plain sight increases the risk of being harmed. Attackers are looking for people under desks, behind doors, in closets, and other obvious hiding places.
•Defend: If all other options fail, you must be ready to defend yourself so grab anything that could
potentially be used as a weapon. You have a legal right to do so.
The training also encourages citizens to be ready to act and snap out of the natural “freeze” response. LKPD uses training created by The ALERRT Center at Texas State University. Experts have been learning and designing new strategies since its creation in 2002. (www.aleRRt.org) “You are not helpless and what you do matters in these situations,” says Cobb.
Much More to Learn - Community Engagement and Trust
Lieutenant Cobb and Sergeant Guile schedule dozens of community presentations each year. These trainings are offered to community groups for free and have consistently received positive feedback, with attendees leaving feeling empowered, not paranoid.
To request a training, contact the department via email at CRASE@LKPD.org.
By consistently training its officers to an exacting standard and actively engaging with the public to share life-saving skills, LKPD is working to ensure that the short answer—”Yes, The Lawrence Kansas Police Department is prepared”—is an answer the community can trust.
Hard Facts about HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Here’s a scary statistic: On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit and killed by car on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to “Safe Kids Worldwide”.
There are approximately 2.6 pedestrian fatalities involving children each day in the U.S., but on Halloween, that number more than doubles to 5.5. Children 12-15 are at greatest risk.
Halloween safety tips are extremely important, so we’ve tried to make it fun. Read them, then look for the words in ALL CAPS and find them on the word puzzle below.
COSTUME Safety
• Choose a costume that won’t cause safety hazards; all costumes, WIGS and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• Dark costumes need reflective tape or stickers to be SAFE
• Carry a flashlight or glow stick.
• Wear non-toxic Halloween makeup rather than a MASK, which can obscure vision.
On the PROWL
• A responsible ADULT should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
• Plan and preview the route if older children are going alone.
• Agree to a specific time to return home.
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Stay in well-lit areas and use sidewalks. Safety Tips for Motorists
• SLOW down! Expect the unexpected. Children are EXCITED!
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
Finally, secure your pets. Even the friendliest pup can be stressed or frightened by the constant ringing of the doorbell and unfamiliar costumes. Keep all pets SECURE indoors to prevent them from running out and startling a child or even biting one. Make it home safely to enjoy that CANDY! Find the answers to our word puzzle at www.lawrenceks.gov/citybeat
LKPD Lt. Mike Cobb
Officers train using scenarios to simulate an active shooter event.
Safe and Secure KPI 1:
The Lawrence Kansas Police Department is committed to openly communicate information to help everyone feel more safe and secure.
Total calls for service and top call locations measurements help guide our work.
Total calls can assist in appropriate staffing, proactive education, and determining the most efficient and effective use of resources.
Top 5 Call Locations Initiated by Citizens
Knowing where officers are repeatedly called to assist community members, can help department leaders work to address issues before crimes occur, educate community members on how to prevent becoming a crime victim, provide resources and services, and encourage community partners to get involved in providing solutions to address potential underlying problems.
July 2025
1. Union At the Loop Apts., 3250 Michigan Street = 80 Calls for Service
2. Lawrence Community Shelter, 3655 E 25th Street = 27 Calls for Service
3. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine Street = 26 Calls for Service
4. Edgewood, 1600 Haskell Avenue = 25 Calls for Service
5. Brookwood Mobile Home Park 1908 E 19th St = 24 Calls for Service
August 2025
1. Union At the Loop, 3250 Michigan Street = 51 Calls for Service
2. Edgewood, 1600 Haskell Ave = 41 Calls for Service
3. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine St = 40 Calls for Service
4. Brookwood Mobile Home Park, 1908 E 19th St = 33 Calls for Service
5. Easy Living Mobile Home Park, 3323 Iowa = 31 Calls for Service
September 2025
1. Union At the Loop, 3250 Michigan St = 51 Calls for Service
2. Walmart, 3300 Iowa St = 33 Calls for Service
3. Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine St. = 29 Calls for Service
4. Links At Kansas, 5400, 5401 & 5800 Rock Chalk Dr = 27 Calls for Service
5. Edgewood, 1600 Haskell Ave = 25 Calls for Service
Safe and Secure Key Progress Indicator 5:
The Lawrence Kansas Police Department, along with county partners, continue to increase the number of alternative responses to calls for service. The
Runners, Take Note
Lawrence runners and community members are encouraged to attend a running safety discussion with Sergeant Shelby Brouhard of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department.
Sgt. Brouhard will share valuable running safety tips and host a Q&A session to answer your questions. This is a great opportunity to learn how to stay safe while enjoying your runs and to connect with other local runners.
Who: Sergeant Shelby Brouhard, LKPD
When: Monday, October 21 at 6:00-6:30pm
Where: Fleet Feet
839 Massachusetts St, Downtown Lawrence
Topic: Running safety tips and community Q & A
LKPD Unveils New Digital Resource for Community Insight
past editions of “The City Beat” print version.
The Lawrence Kansas Police Department (LKPD) is taking another step in community engagement with the debut of “The City Beat” companion website at www.lawrenceks.gov/citybeat.
This powerful online platform is designed to serve as a comprehensive hub for public safety information, fostering a shared understanding of public safety efforts across Lawrence.
The site provides direct links to statistics and progress reports about crime within the city. Visitors can also access LKPD’s call logs, which are updated twice daily, so you can see when police are active in your area. The website also facilitates online report filings and offers links for submitting compliments or complaints, along with access to all
Leaders at the Lawrence Kansas Police Department are committed to providing accessible information as they continue to partner with the community to help keep us all safe and secure.
The Lawrence Kansas Police Foundation congratulates the graduates of LKPD’s 48 Basic Recruit Academy! th
Kevin Powell City of Lawrence Web Content Administrator
From Police Chief to Photographer: RICH LOCKHART Captures Beauty in His Free Time
Laura McCabe LKPD Communications Manager
Since arriving in Lawrence nearly four years ago, Chief Rich Lockhart has made it a priority to connect with the community and he’s been known for that outreach. Fewer may know his hidden passion: photography.
Lockhart’s journey behind the lens started early, with a simple Kodak Instamatic 110 film camera. “I’ve been doing photography for as long as I can remember,” he shares. While his first pictures were simply of family memories, his serious interest emerged with the digital age. “I got back into it when my kids started playing sports. It was a way to capture those moments and with digital photography, you get instant feedback,” says Lockhart.
architecturally diverse,” he says, citing the ASB bridge over the Missouri River and the rusted iron railroad bridge across the Kansas River. “The rust on it adds so much character, making it an amazing subject for photography,” he says.
Capturing Color and Light
Vibrant colors are a theme in Lockhart’s work. “The colors are part of the art,” he states. He creates the look by using a technique called high dynamic range (HDR) photography, which involves capturing a scene with three different exposures. He says it’s an effort, “to see the image more like the human eye does.”
A Vital Outlet for Stress
For Lockhart, photography is more than just a hobby. It’s a necessity.
“Having an outlet is so important when you have a stressful profession like policing,” says Lockhart. He shares that earned advice with new officers. “I suggest they do something that doesn’t involve other police officers or policing. It not only helps relieve stress but also connects them with people outside the profession,” says the Chief.
Focusing on the Overlooked His lens was then drawn toward the world around him. “I started shooting landscapes as a way to connect with nature and capture the beauty that lives around us every day,” he explains. This focus helped his see things others often miss. “There is so much all around us and I enjoy finding that out-of-the-way something and creating a story around it,” he says. He searches for character, like a photograph of an old hay barn he calls “Forgotten.” The barn was in the middle of a field near his kids’ high school. “People drove by it every day and most likely never noticed it,” he recalls. The barn is gone now, but lives in Lockhart’s art.
Lockhart also has a fascination with bridges and water. “I love bridges, and I love water. Older bridges were so
Lockhart explains why timing is critical, “I like to shoot with a sunset as the background. A good sunset will provide the most amazing colors,” he explains, “I can sit for hours before and after sunset to get the perfect shot. In a typical session, I take close to 200 pictures with different exposures and end up with a handful that I would use.”
Join LKPD Officers at:
Thursday, Oct. 23rd 6:00-7:15 Prairie Park Elementary, 2711 Kensington Rd.
Lockhart studied photography at the Kansas City Art Institute and with an artist in Chicago. “My world is so much bigger and more informed because of these experiences. It’s made me a better person.”
He even showcased his work in the Westport Art Show twice. “That opportunity to meet people and talk about my art was a lot of fun,” he concludes.
To better experience the dynamic colors in these photos and see much more of Chief Lockhart’s work, visit the City Beat website at www.lawrenceks.gov/citybeat.
Having a Spooktacularly Safe Halloween!
The LKPD Trunk or Treat crew is together again -- partnering to make every ghost, goblin, and parent feel safe and secure as the day of wandering spirits creeps near.
Officers turned into children themselves this year and constructed a small cardboard jail to haul around town. They jailed both children and adults alike, all in the name of fun. Their first stop was an event hosted by KVC at Connect Church on Thursday evening. Some kids got a kick out of “going to jail” and some have learned already, that’s not a place they want to enter, even for fun. All got treats and no tricks. Officers had fun with several princesses and puppies and even learned all about Carl’s adventures.
Officers know that having positive interactions with children early in life, helps them feel more comfortable turning to officers for support during times of crisis. It’s a vital step in building trust.
Saturday, Heartland Clinic also hosted an afternoon event, where just as many creative costumes impressed officers.
The crew will be out again Thursday, October 23rd from 6:00pm – 7:15 at Prairie Park Elementary to hand out treats rather
than be tricked this Halloween. Keep your eyes on the road and your phones down during this time when small children may be too excited to look both ways. The Lawrence Kansas Police Department is dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone, especially our city’s youngest little spooks.
LKPD thanks everyone who donated candy to make their participation possible, especially the Lawrence Blue Santa organization.
A younger photographer Lockhart in Arizona back in 2013.
