Department Overview And Philosophy

The Lindsay Department of Public Safety incorporates a fire department and a police department into one organization. This is unique within California as there are only four other cities in the state doing so. Both fire and police services take direction from the Director of Public Safety.

The current authorized strength of the Police Services Division is 18 sworn personnel and the fire services division has three full time fire fighters and five relief firemen. The police officers are cross trained in fire fighting techniques, such as driving the fire trucks, connecting and laying hose lines, operating the fire apparatus and initial fire attack.

The Police Services Division has an authorized strength of 12 reserve police officers who are utilized for patrol, special events, community services, DUI and seat belt check points, crime suppression, and other public safety functions.

The Fire Services Division has 17 volunteer firemen. Volunteers are trained by full time personnel and are utilized during fire fighting and medical aid call outs.

The Lindsay Department of Public Safety has three Community Service Officers. The Community Service Officers handle enforcement of the City's municipal codes, such as public nuisances, unkempt yards, residential overcrowding, yard sale permit enforcement, and is a member of the City's "Quality of Life" team.

The Community Service Officer is an active representative for the Department of Public Safety. The Community Services Officer sets up Neighborhood Watch Programs and organizes block parties. He helps with finger printing individuals, often transports arrested subjects to jail, and generally is a liaison between the community and the Department of Public Safety.

The Lindsay Department of Public Safety strives to achieve excellence in all areas of public safety. All staff, sworn law enforcement and civilian support, make every effort to provide the City of Lindsay with the best public service possible. Public Safety Officers provide services in a professional and ethical manner. Through proactive fire protection and crime prevention, the citizens of Lindsay can feel secure in the knowledge that their families and property are protected twenty four hours a day.

Through Community Oriented Policing, the Department receives and acts upon the concerns of the citizens of Lindsay in order to custom fit the type of service the community requires and desires.

The Department fulfills its commitment to the children of the community through a partnership with the schools in the Lindsay School District. Through services such as the Youth Service Officer Program, and the Explorer Scouts, the Lindsay Department of Public Safety provides education and protection for the students at all campuses.

Providing service to the citizens of Lindsay is the most important function of the Lindsay Department of Public Safety, and shall remain so, well into the future.

Anyone requesting information about the Lindsay Department of Public Safety should direct their questions to the Director of Public Safety Richard Wilkinson at (559) 562-2511.