By John Greely, Public Information Officer, Natchitoches Police Department
In a year that has been very unconventional, the Natchitoches Police Department would like to share with its citizens the advancements, growth and services we were able to accomplish in 2020. Police Chief is Mickey Dove.
Advancements
Body Cameras
*NPD officers have worn body cameras for several years now, but in 2020 we were able to provide them to all of our law enforcement employees. Every officer assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, the Narcotics Division and the Traffic and Patrol Division are now outfitted with body-worn cameras.
Computers for Police Vehicles
*NPD provided new computers for the Traffic and Patrol Division. The computers are an upgrade and can help our officers be more productive while patrolling your neighborhoods.
NARCAN Nasal Spray
*With an increase in opioid related overdoses, NPD issued its officers NARCAN Nasal Spray. The spray is a medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Due to the majority of accidental overdoses occurring in a home setting, it was developed for first responders to administer with no medical training required.
Shemaria Lewis, Officer Joshua Bayonne and Officer Dillon
Thompson graduated from the 86th Alexandria Police Academy class
on June 11, 2020.Pictured with new officers is Assistant Chief
Harmon Winters.
Growth
New Officers
*In 2020, the NPD hired 12 new officers. They will be sent to a regional police academy and upon graduation will be trained and ready to serve.
Reserve Officer Division
*NPD has 18 reserve police officers. They attended a nine-week training academy where they were trained in areas such as search and seizure, building clearing, traffic stops, firearms and defensive tactics.
*We are accepting applications through Feb. 5, 2021 for the upcoming Reserve Officer Training Academy. If you are interested in applying, pick up an application from the Criminal Investigations Division at 416 Shady Lane or contact Lt. Jeff Townson at (318)357-3852 for more information.
Services
Rape Aggression Defense Systems
*NPD has two Rape Aggression Defense Systems (R.A.D.) certified instructors. The R.A.D. course includes lecture, discussion and self-defense techniques for women of all ages and abilities.
a neighborhood watch
app that provides realtime
alerts, crime
reports, and safety
information
The app provides
push notifications for
alerts and displays a
map with info published
by fellow neighbors,
the Ring team,
and law enforcement
Neighbors by Ring Program
*NPD recently joined the Neighbors app to provide the citizens of Natchitoches with local safety and crime information. The Neighbors network has helped in catching package thieves, preventing burglaries and keeping neighborhoods safe.
*To get the free Neighbors app, download it to your smart phone and join your neighborhood to monitor activity, receive real-time safety alerts from your neighbors and share crime and safety related videos.
Message Sign Trailer
*NPD recently purchased, through the Corona Virus Emergency Supplemental Grant, a new message sign trailer. It can quickly alert the public about any traffic conditions or incidents in the area.
Juvenile Traffic Diversion Class
*NPD teaches a traffic diversion class for juveniles that have been involved in a vehicle crash or received a traffic citation. The class focuses on teaching juveniles how to become better drivers and on new or changing traffic laws.
The Natchitoches Police Department would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year for 2021.
If you would like to report suspicious activity or an emergency please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.
CITY OF NATCHITOCHES
POLICE DEPARTMENT
400 AMULET STREET
Telephone:(318) 352-8101 FAX: 318) 357-3849
WWW.NATCHITOCHESLA.GOV
