Mission

The Fort Wayne Police Department, in partnership with our community, will strive to protect the life, property and personal liberties of all individuals. We believe that the overall quality of life for all residents will improve through the deterrence of criminal activity and an understanding of the diversity of cultures within this community. Furthermore, we recognize the need for fair and impartial enforcement of the law with attention given to the highest possible quality of service delivery to the community.

        

History

The City of Fort Wayne is located in northeast Indiana and is the second largest city in the state. The City encompasses an area of about 110.67 square miles with a population of approximately 267,633 (2018) people.  Fort Wayne’s cultural climate is increasingly diverse. Fort Wayne’s roots began in 1697 when the French and British built a series of three forts at the confluence of the St. Joseph River, St. Mary’s River, and Maumee River near the Miami tribe village of Kekionga. The United States Army built Fort Wayne in 1794 and was named in honor of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Fort Wayne was platted in 1823 and experienced a rapid expansion after completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal. The proud tradition of the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) began in 1829 with a single “Village Marshal”. That tradition continues today with 480 sworn officers and approximately 62 civilians. The FWPD is led by Police Chief Scott Caudill. The Fort Wayne Police Department is a full-service, highly sophisticated professional agency. Through innovative leadership and dedication to providing quality services, our Department maximizes its resources to provide a high quality work environment.  We give our officers the same respect and concern that we expect them to show all citizens with whom they come into contact in the line of duty.