INSIDE the Lakeland Police Department

National USPCA K-9 Trials Set to Begin on Monday

Drive around town today and you are likely to see hundreds of various police vehicles from around the country as teams arrive in Lakeland for the 2007 National USPCA K-9 Trials. Let's give a warm Lakeland welcome to our visiting K-9 teams and wish them all the best of luck in this year's trials.

The teams are practicing today at the LPD Training Center and completing final preparations for the trials that begin Monday morning.

A complete schedule of events for the entire week is available here for your reference. All events are free and open to the public. You can also view a promotional video of this event.

Interested in when Lakeland's K-9 officers will be competing?

LPD's teams are part of the GROUP ONE listing, and they will compete in the first positions each day beginning at 7:30 AM. The K-9 officers then assume their roles as event hosts for the rest of the day.

Here is a listing of when and where LPD will complete:

Monday - Obedience and Agility at Lake Parker Park Soccer Field Complex

Tuesday - Articles and Boxes at Sun n Fun Campus

Wednesday - Criminal Apprehension at Victory Church Football Field &
    Gunfire at Lake Parker Soccer Field Complex

Thursday - Day off from competition

A public demonstration is set for Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at the International Speedway on SR 33. Everyone is invited to watch the teams give demonstrations on a variety of police K-9 activities - this event is a real treat to watch.

- Lt. Joe Henson

Policing and Politics

It is once again the election season and time for political endorsements to appear in candidates' campaign literature. Law enforcement organizations often provide their "official endorsement" to particular candidates as part of the political process.

In our area, the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association is the representative for three collective bargaining units within the Lakeland Police Department, including police officers, sergeants, and lieutenants. The PBA, and specifically the Polk County chapter, participates in the political process and offers endorsements as they deem appropriate. This is a normal course of business for police unions. Another organization that sometimes offers political endorsement is the Fraternal Order of Police - Polk County Lodge #46.

Our reason for mentioning this issue is to point out that any political endorsements provided by the PBA Polk County chapter or the FOP Polk County lodge, both which include Lakeland Police officers as members, should not be construed in anyway to suggest it is an official endorsement by the Lakeland Police Department. LPD does not endorse any political candidate or party.

These organizations, though sharing common members, are separate entities and speak on behalf of their members and not the Lakeland Police Department.

As a closing note, we do encourage everyone to get involved the upcoming elections. Register to vote - then cast your ballot to make your voice heard and your vote count. It's a freedom we should cherish and participate in during every election.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Weekly Crime Report Oct 8-14, 2007

Download tac_rpt_oct_814.pdf

Lakeland Police Seek the Public's Help in Identifying Vehicle Burglary Suspect

The Lakeland Police Department is investigating a vehicle burglary that occurred in the 500 block of West Hancock Street back on September 26, 2007, at approximately 9:35 PM. The composite photo below is from witness descriptions.

Anyone with information on the possibly identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Mike Lewis at 863-834-8977.

You can also read a copy of the entire Criminal Activity Bulletin here.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Best Wishes to a Departing Friend

Friday is the end of an era, of sorts, at Lakeland PD. Ms. Faye Tarpley, Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police, is "retiring" from LPD on Friday to accept a position as Executive Assistant to the Director of Lakeland Electric. While we are saddened to have Faye leave us, we are tremendously proud of her accomplishments as well as her selection for the new position.

Faye has been with LPD for 20 years, beginning her career as a Communications Specialist in Comm Center. She held a few other positions until being selected for the Chief's Office several years ago. Her duties and responsibilities as listed on her job description do not begin to describe what she did on a daily basis for the Chief. As you can imagine, the Chief's Office is a hectic place with a wide range of issues coming in from the public, City Hall, as well as internal problems to address. Everyone stopping by the office wants a minute or two of the Chief's time, and requests for public appearances are never-ending. Faye kept it all organized and tried to satisfy everyone's needs.

While working in the Chief's Office, Faye went back to school to finish her business degree and prepare herself for new opportunities. Her selection by Lakeland Electric is testimony that hard work and dedication to achieving a personal goal can have a positive ending. We congratulate Faye for her new position and wish her continued success in her new position.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Weekly Crime Report Oct 1-7, 2007

Download tac_rpt_oct_17.pdf

Saving a Life With a Split Second Decision

One of the interesting aspects of a career in law enforcement is that you never really know the impact your actions today might have on somebody else. Here is a heart-warming story about a young man involved in a serious traffic crash with injuries so severe he might not live, and the unlikely involvement of Lakeland Police Officer Pat Guity who made a split second decision in a totally separate event which ultimately played a key role in the young man surviving his injuries.

I have never met Taylor Smith, but I do know both of his parents and their deep, sincere appreciation for the actions of Officer Pat Guity on that fateful day back in March. His father called me to relate the story shortly after it happened, and I am still moved whenever I think about it.

I spoke with Officer Guity after this event occurred to tell him this story and thanked him for his actions on behalf of the parents. We are proud of Officer Guity and his humbleness toward his actions - he will tell you he was just doing his job as a professional.

We wish and pray for a continued speedy recovery for Taylor - keep it up young man! You can continue to track Taylor's recovery here. Our thanks to Josh at EmpiricalPolk for his post on this story that we picked up via newsfeeds.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Weekly Crime Map for September 24 - 30, 2007

Here is the weekly crime map of significant events for the period of Crime Map - 09/24 to 09/30.
Our thanks to Chuck at LakelandLocal.com for producing the map.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Fewer Postings This Week for INSIDE

I am leaving for a week of family vacation, and thus we will have fewer postings for the upcoming week. We will continue to post our weekly crime reports and other critical pieces of information as they become necessary.

You may find an occasional dispatch from me when I get a moment or two, but otherwise please be patient. We will get back in high gear upon my return.

Thnx...

- Asst Chief Bill LePere

Lakeland Fire Department's 2007 Open House

Our good friends at the Lakeland Fire Department are hosting their 2007 Open House next Saturday, October 13, 2007, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Station 1, 701 E. Main Street. Admission is free.

The event includes fire station tours, live demonstrations, equipment displays, blood pressure checks, and refreshments.

This is an exciting opportunity for Lakeland residents, young and old, to learn about the Lakeland Fire Department and the services they provide to our community.

We encourage you to visit the Open House.

- Asst Chief Bill LePere