Public Safety Goals

Public Safety: Police, Fire, and Codes Administration

Council Goal

Provide for the safety and welfare of our citizens and visitors by utilizing effective police, fire, and code administration philosophies and programs, while also ensuring we are meeting the needs of our dedicated staff members.

Address Citizen Dissatisfaction with Code Enforcement Efforts

Place-Based Problem Solving (Police)

  • Determine problem locations using historical data of crime, health, safety, and nuisance violations.
  • Develop evidence-based strategies prioritizing code enforcement where needed.

Proactive Enforcement (Police)

  • Develop a referral process for officers to notify code enforcement.
  • Establish priority routes patrolled by code enforcement for proactive enforcement.

Modify Processes and Address Systemic Issues

  • Implement key performance indicators to improve performance and nuisance reduction.
  • Develop a community education plan on recognizing and reporting violations.

Work with Mental Health Partners

  • Provide immediate access to mental health care through mobile technology.
  • Implement a full-time co-responder for the Lebanon Police Department.
  • Track outcomes with objective measures:
    • Annual comparisons of mental health-related calls.
    • Reduction in labor hours for chronic situations.

Opportunities for Future Police Officers

  • Implement programs for applicants under 21, allowing them to perform community service officer roles.
  • Grow partnerships with Lebanon Schools and higher education resources.
  • Explore partnerships:
    • Local colleges and Lebanon Technology & Career Center.
    • Skills USA and Missouri Technology competitions.

Public Safety Regional Training Center

  • Work with regional police and fire agencies to determine training needs.
  • Explore partnerships with OTC, MSU, and Drury University.

Innovative Customer Solutions

  • Focus on crash hotspots with increased enforcement and education.
  • Collaborate with schools on bus stops, school zones, and crosswalk safety.
  • Increase patrol-based citizen engagement with educational handouts.

Codes Administration

  • Develop reference videos for certificate of occupancy inspections to educate property owners.
  • Adjust the fee structure to encourage earlier inspections.
  • Propose code changes to require green space in new developments.
  • Enhance fire safety inspections with bi-annual inspections of commercial properties.
  • Develop voluntary residential fire inspections with educational outreach.