Divisions
Patrol Division
As the backbone of the Lynn Police Department, Uniformed Patrol is comprised of dedicated officers who serve as the frontline response to emergencies, focus on maintaining public order and ensure the safety of the community. Officers assigned to Patrol work rotating shifts establishing 24/7 coverage and they engage in Community Policing initiatives to build trust and cooperation with the residents they serve. Additionally, these officers participate in crime prevention programs to address specific community needs and concerns.
This specialized team of officers patrols the downtown Central Business District on bicycles, providing a unique and effective approach to community policing. While maneuvering through congested areas with ease, these officers enhance visibility, accessibility, and engagement with local businesses and residents, while also addressing quality-of-life concerns and preventing criminal activity. By building relationships with local residents these officers problem solve and provide resources through their partnerships with local service providers.
Communications is one of the most important services within the Lynn Police Department. The police officers who serve as Communication Officers are responsible for maintaining the link between the public and the police officers in the field.
It is the Communication Officers who typically have the first contact with the citizen, and the decisions that they make can dictate the entire department’s response. The Communication Officer’s job is to listen to the information offered by the caller, ask appropriate questions to discover the true nature of the call, assess the information quickly, and then make a decision on how to field the call.
All calls that require a police officer to respond are entered into the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system and prioritized. The calls are then dispatched by radio, or by computer to a mobile data terminal in the appropriate cruiser.
The Communication Officers handle all major radio broadcasts transmitted by the Lynn Police Department via the Boston Area Police Emergency Radio Network (BAPERN). They also handle the vast amount of tele-communications which are sent and received over the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) / Law Enforcement Agency Processing System (LEAPS) computer.
The Community Engagement and Special Operations Lieutenant is responsible for assisting with the coordination, development and implementation of operational plans for a range of community events; the development and expansion of community education programs, the coordination of LPD participation in community-based meetings, and the coordination and oversight of some aspects of Patrol Division operations including the 911 operations and the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).
Comprised of highly disciplined and honor-bound officers, the Honor Guard represents the Lynn Police Department with dignity and respect at ceremonial events, funerals, and other significant occasions. With meticulous attention to detail and a profound sense of duty, these officers pay tribute by representing the Lynn Police Department with the utmost professionalism.
The Traffic Unit plays a crucial role in promoting roadway safety and reducing traffic-related incidents within the city. Officers in this unit enforce traffic laws, investigate accidents, and implement targeted enforcement strategies to address speeding, impaired driving, and other hazardous behavior on the road.
Criminal Investigative Division
At the forefront of criminal investigation, detectives within the Lynn Police Department possess specialized training and expertise in gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and solving complex cases. Whether investigating homicides, robberies, or white-collar crimes, these dedicated professionals work tirelessly to pursue justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.
Charged with combatting illegal drugs within the community, the Drug Task Force employs proactive enforcement strategies to disrupt drug trafficking networks, dismantle clandestine drug operations, and address the root causes of substance abuse. Through collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal partners, this specialized unit aims to reduce drug-related crime and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
Recognizing the unique needs and challenges facing young people, the Youth Services Unit is committed to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the youth of Lynn. From providing mentorship and educational programs to addressing juvenile delinquency and truancy, Y.S.U. works proactively to steer at-risk youth away from crime and toward a brighter future.
Specializing in cases involving minors, the Juvenile Detective investigates crimes such as juvenile delinquency, runaways, and truancy, while also connecting youth and their families with community resources and support services.
With a focus on locating and reuniting missing individuals with their loved ones, the Missing Persons’ Detective employs a range of investigative techniques, including social media outreach, forensic analysis, and collaboration with other agencies, to reunite families in distress.
Embedded within educational institutions, School Resource Officers serve as positive role models, mentors, and safety advocates for students, faculty, and staff. By fostering trust and open communication, these officers promote a safe and supportive learning environment while also addressing issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and campus security.
Tasked with combating gang-related activity, the Gang Unit utilizes intelligence-led policing strategies to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal gangs operating within the community. Through targeted enforcement actions, community outreach, and gang prevention programs, this unit aims to reduce gang violence and empower at-risk individuals to make positive life choices.
Recognizing the devastating impact of domestic violence and sexual assault, D.V.U. was established as a specialized unit dedicated to supporting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and preventing future incidents of domestic and sexual violence. Staffed by highly trained investigators, this unit works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including victim advocacy groups, social services agencies, medical professionals and the judicial system, to provide comprehensive support to survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
Serving as the forensic experts of the department, the Identification Unit is a specialized team responsible for collecting, analyzing and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes. Using state-of-the-art techniques and technology, these detectives meticulously examine fingerprints, DNA, ballistics, and other forms of evidence to establish links between suspects and crimes, ultimately aiding in the prosecution of offenders.
Professional Standards Division
As guardians of integrity and accountability, the Internal Affairs division is tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct or impropriety involving department personnel. By conducting thorough and impartial inquiries, this division upholds the highest standards of professionalism and ensures public trust in the Lynn Police Department. Additionally, the Public Information Officer serves as a liaison between the department and the media, disseminating accurate and timely information to the public while fostering transparency and openness.
Within the chain of custody lies the integrity of evidence which is crucial to criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. The Evidence Control Unit meticulously manages the intake, storage, and disposition of all evidentiary materials, ensuring their security, preservation, and admissibility in court. By adhering to strict protocols and best practices, this unit safeguards the integrity of the investigative process and upholds the principles of justice.
Continuous learning and professional development are the cornerstones of excellence in law enforcement. The Training Unit is dedicated to providing comprehensive and relevant training programs to equip officers with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to meet the evolving challenges of modern policing. From tactical skills and legal updates to cultural competency and crisis intervention training, this unit ensures that officers are prepared to effectively serve and protect the diverse community of Lynn. The Training Unit strives to exceed the continuously evolving requirements of 21st Century Policing and the certification criteria set forth by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.
Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system requires coordination, communication, and attention to detail. The Court Liaison serves as the department's point of contact with the courts, managing court appearances, subpoenas, and legal documentation with precision and efficiency. By facilitating seamless interaction between the department and the judiciary, this unit ensures the smooth administration of justice and the swift resolution of legal matters.
Administrative Services Division
The Records Unit serves as the custodian of departmental records, serving as the central repository for all official documents, reports and records generated by the agency. From incident reports and arrest records to permits and licenses, this division ensures the integrity, accessibility, and compliance of records in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Information is power in the fight against crime. The Crime Analysis Unit employs advanced analytical techniques to identify trends, patterns, and hotspots of criminal activity, providing valuable intelligence to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation. By leveraging technology and collaboration, this unit empowers proactive policing efforts and enhances the department's ability to prevent and solve crimes.
Innovation and adaptability are essential in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in law enforcement. The Special Projects division is tasked with exploring and implementing initiatives, programs, and partnerships aimed at enhancing departmental effectiveness, efficiency, and community engagement.
Support Services Division
In the digital age, technology is indispensable in enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of law enforcement agencies. The IT Unit provides comprehensive technical support, maintenance, and oversight of the department's information technology infrastructure, ensuring the reliability, security, and interoperability of critical systems and applications. From network administration and cybersecurity to software development and data analysis, this unit harnesses the power of technology to support operational excellence and enable data-driven decision-making.
Mobility is essential in the dynamic landscape of law enforcement. The Fleet Operations division manages the department's fleet of vehicles with meticulous attention to safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. From routine maintenance and inspections to vehicle procurement and deployment, this division ensures that officers have access to well-maintained and properly equipped vehicles to support their operational needs.
Special events, assignments, and projects often require additional resources and coordination beyond the scope of regular patrol duties. The Detail Office serves as the central hub for managing and scheduling officers for a wide range of special details, including traffic control, crowd management, dignitary protection, and community events. With meticulous planning and coordination, this office ensures the efficient allocation of resources and the successful execution of special assignments to meet the needs of the community and support departmental priorities.