Training Center

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Published: Tuesday, 17 November 2020 07:03

Our Mission

This mission of the Training Center is to provide training for officers of the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) that meets or exceeds the State of Indiana mandates in training. Pursuant to Indiana ode 5-2-1-9(g), Indiana Police Officers are required to have 24 hours of annual training. At least two hours of training must include Firearms, Physical Tactics, and Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVO). The Training Center strives to provide relevant and tactically sound training to enhance officer safety and solidify public trust. Additionally, the FWPD Training Center assesses, selects, and trains recruits in basic police training otherwise known as recruit training.

The FWPD Training Center also serves as a regional academy and host for training of other organizations, including federal law enforcement partners. In an effort to ensure that members of the FWPD continue our tradition of excellence, the Training Center diligently staffs a cadre with a variety of subject matter expertise.

Training Courses

Specialty Team Training:

• Air Support Unit (ASU)
• Crime Scene Unit
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
• Crisis Response Team (CRT)
• Detective Bureau
  • Crimes Against People
  • Domestic Violence
  • Financial Crimes
  • Homicide
  • Juvenile Aid Division
  • Property Crimes
  • Robbery
  • Sex Crimes
• Drill & Ceremony (Honor Guard)
• Emergency Service Team (EST)
• Explosive Ordnance Devices (EOD/Bomb Unit)
• Fatal & Alcohol Crash Team (FACT)
• Field Training Officer (FTO)
• Gang Unit
• K-9 Unit
• LEBA Police Bicycle Unit
• Peer Support Group Team
• Public Safety Response Team (PSRT/Riot Team)
• School Resource Officer (SRO)
• Street Crime Unit
• Task Force (DEA/FBI/ATF/US Marshalls)
• Vice & Narcotics Division

Downtown Patrol

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Published: Monday, 02 November 2020 09:49

The Fort Wayne Police Department Bike Patrol Unit was formally created in 2013. At that time officers patrolled the downtown area on bicycles and Segways during the warmer months. In 2019, the Unit implemented a year-round program the downtown area and other areas of the city when weather permits.The Unit is currently staffed with seven officers and is supervised by Sgt. Ben Messick. The Unit provides a mobile presence during periods of special events, for directed patrol activities, public relations, in city parks and the river green ways, as a deterrent to crime, and to supplement the daily activities of the Uniform Division.

K9 Unit

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Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2020 12:15

The K9 Unit training program was established in the early 1970's with one dog. During this time the K9 team was only trained to smell for the order of marijuana. Throughout the years the K9 Unit grew to its current strength of 14 K9 Teams. Of these current teams, 11 are trained for narcotics detection and 3 are trained for explosive detection. Combined, these 14 teams have over 100 years of experience in K9 Policing. In 2018, the dream of having an indoor training facility for the K9 Unit became reality. The handlers and their canines are now able to training in 'house situations' at the new building which is situated on 10 acres off Harris Road.

The K9 Unit is commanded by NAPWDA Master Trainer Sgt. Chris Faherty. The Unit provides service to the department fulfilling their commitment to the Operations Division and Narcotics Division.  They also fulfill requests for K9 demonstrations and lectures with a very minimum amount of overtime incurred.  The Unit provides K9 Drug Interdiction programs for Fort Wayne Community Schools during the school year and also provides instruction on K9 policing to FWPD and other regional agencies.

 Meet the Unit's K9 Officers:

Sgt./Master Trainer C. Faherty with K9 Loki Explosive Detection	Ofc./Master Trainer J. Drummer with K9 Azir Narcotics Detection	Ofc. D. Engelman with K9 Blast Explosive Detection	Ofc. G. Woods with K9 Kaine Narcotics Detection
Ofc. J. Fuhrman with K9 Jager Narcotics Detection	Ofc. Brown with K9 Alex Narcotics Detection	Ofc. S. Jackson with K9 Crash Narcotics Detection	Ofc. R. Rockey with K9 Rock Narcotics Detection
Ofc. S. Beaver with  K9 Parys Narcotics Detection	Ofc. B. Bush with K9 Nova Explosive Detection	Ofc. D. Reed with K9 Blue Explosive Detection	Ofc. D. Nerzig with K9 Shadow Explosive Detection
	Ofc. M. Poeppel with K9 Kaos Explosive Detection	Ofc. Y. Sanchez with K9 Tec Explosive Detection

The Fort Wayne Police Department has on staff, two North American Police Work Dog Association Master Trainers. Affiliation with this nationally recognized organization provides credibility for our training program, certifications and courtroom testimony. There are currently three K9 teams assigned to each shift of the Operations Division of the police department. The other two teams are the K9 Unit Supervisor and the K9 Unit Trainer. They provide training and logistical support for the Unit and can supplement all three shifts as needed. One K9 team is assigned to the Narcotics division on a rotating schedule to assist in the successful completion of that division’s mission.

The dogs are hand selected for their genetic based knowledge and trainability. We look for young, intelligent and very sociable animals with a preference for the shepherd breeds. We typically begin training when the animal reaches 18 to 24 months old. The animal is paired with a candidate handler and they begin a 13 week basic training program together. Either one or both can wash out of the program. Upon successful completion of the basic class the team is certified and assigned to a shift. The police dogs live with their human counterparts and their families. Although these animals are wonderful members of their human family, they are not to be considered or treated as family pets because of their training. These dogs work very hard. They receive the best in nutrition, training and medical care and are considered athletes. Because of this they can typically work several years before retirement. Once a police dog is retired, they typically remain with their handler and live out their lives with their human family.

These police dogs are a valuable asset to the Fort Wayne Police Department and to the citizens of Fort Wayne. They have a sense of smell that we cannot fully comprehend. By harnessing their natural abilities, we are able to locate more concealed contraband people, and evidence at a fraction of the cost of a human officer. The Fort Wayne Police Department’s K9 Unit supports the FWCS Safety and Security Office by providing K9 teams at the request of High School and Middle School Administrators for the implementation of the joint K9 School Drug Interdiction Program.

Victim Assistance Unit

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Published: Tuesday, 04 August 2020 10:17

The Victim Assistance (VA) program of FWPD was established in 1981. The program provides comprehensive crime victim services to the City of Fort Wayne and surrounding communities. Advocates and volunteers passionately work to provide information to crime victims to reduce re-victimization as victims navigate through the criminal justice system. Primary and secondary crime victims receive direct services to help stabilize their lives and meet their immediate needs. The outreach program initiates contact to inform victims about available services and their rights as crime victims and survivors. Victim’s Assistance collaborates with a number of community and state agencies to provide training, community events and projects developed to address the emotional, physical, financial, social, spiritual, and cultural needs of crime victims.

To contact Victim Assistance, please call 260-427-1205. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm  Victim Assistance Brochure
Please visit the Victim Assistance page for event info and updates. Click the following link to view new rebranding release: Release

 A VICTIM ADVOCATE WILL:

• Evaluate the physical and emotional trauma suffered by victims as a result of a criminal act.
• Counsel and refer the victim to the appropriate community and/or private resources as needed.
• Guide and assist victims in the criminal justice system and & support through a trial, if there is  prosecution.
  

NEED A PROTECTIVE ORDER?
A petition for a protective order from the Allen County Superior Court at the Small Claims' Clerk's Office, 1st floor, 1 West Superior Street.
Petitions for protective orders should be filed in the Clerk's Office during the following hours:

 
LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL HELPLINES

Activity Log

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Published: Thursday, 02 July 2020 08:25

Hire an Officer

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Published: Tuesday, 30 June 2020 13:49

Crime Prevention Programs

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Published: Monday, 29 June 2020 08:02

The Fort Wayne Police Department is committed to the safety of all who live, work or visit the city. In addition to proactive patrols throughout the city, the Department also participates in numerous crime prevention programs and has developed unique initiatives to educate and inform the public. All programs are FREE. Listed below are the programs currently being offered to businesses/residents/associations. For questions, please call the Crime Prevention line at: 260-427-5999.

The Department requires at least a 4-week notice for any request submitted via the online form.

Please note: Filling out this form is the first step in requesting a Crime Prevention Officer. Your request is not finalized until you receive confirmation from the department.

Submit Request

Crime Prevention Brochures

 Business Security Surveys

The FWPD's Crime Prevention Unit offers FREE Business Security Surveys to businesses within the city limits of Fort Wayne. The business security survey provides an assessment of possible crime risks to your business, and recommends steps for improvement. If you're interested in a business security survey, fill out the Submit Request form above to contact one of our Crime Prevention Specialists. Note: This is not the same as a security check, in which officers conduct random security checks of your property while you are away. 

 Residential Security Surveys

The FWPD's Crime Prevention Unit offers FREE Residential Security Surveys to homes within the city limits of Fort Wayne. The business security survey provides an assessment of possible crime risks to your business, and recommends steps for improvement. If you're interested in a business security survey, fill out the Submit Request form above to contact one of our Crime Prevention Specialists. Note: This is not the same as a security check, in which officers conduct random security checks of your property while you are away. 

 Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) theories contend that law enforcement officers, architects, city planners, landscape designers, interior designers, and resident volunteers can create a climate of safety in a community right from the start. CPTED’s goal is to prevent crime by designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior. The theory is based on four principles: natural access control, natural surveillance, territoriality, and maintenance. Crime Prevention Specialists conduct CPTED surveys as a courtesy to businesses and citizens within the city limits of Fort Wayne. If you're interested in a CPTED survey, fill out the Submit Request form above to contact one of our Crime Prevention Specialists. CPTED Brochure

 Robbery Prevention and Safety Presentations for Businesses

Our Crime Prevention Specialists are constantly working to establish new partnerships with businesses within the city limits of Fort Wayne. Partnerships between law enforcement, residents, and businesses make our communities safer places to live, work, and play. As such, our Crime Prevention Specialists offer robbery prevention surveys to businesses as a courtesy. Crime Prevention Specialists are also available to provide crime prevention presentations to employees of your business. If you're interested in a security presentation, fill out the Submit Request form above to contact one of our Crime Prevention Specialists. Robbery Prevention Brochure