Professor Lehto leads High-Performance Government TAP Pilot Study for the Lafayette Police Department
Lafayette Police Department Completes High-Performance Government Project Pilot Study with Purdue Technical Assistance Program
March 2014, WEST LAFAYETTE, IN—The Purdue Technical Assistance Program (TAP) recently completed a successful project with the Lafayette Police Department (LPD) that significantly reduced the backlog of police reports. This was a pilot study of the high-performance government project, and served as a first step toward the LPD operational improvement initiative.
The LPD was concerned with the process efficiency of the Records Division and sought to streamline the workflow as it plays a critical role in keeping the whole department operating smoothly. The Records Division serves as the brain of the LPD and manages the flow of all documents for which the agency is responsible. Last year, the Records Division processed over 20,000 total cases--a monumental task that requires the employ of seven full time employees. Despite LPD’s best efforts, the unit was facing challenges that were difficult to manage due to an ever increasing workload.
Purdue TAP was contacted to conduct a study of LPD’s process flow in the Records Division. Professor Mark Lehto and his team worked hand in hand with LPD’s records personnel to conduct a workflow study. Professor Lehto provided analysis and identified changes to improve the efficiency of the division. The Records Division personnel provided feedback and suggestions based on these recommendations, which resulted in significant physical changes to the layout of the office and changes in workflow of the division. This combined effort has led to significant improvements in efficiency and eliminated paperwork backlogs that were persistent for months.
“Having a fresh set of eyes examine our processes was critical in identifying changes. We are extremely pleased with the outcomes and are already actively investigating potential future projects with TAP and Purdue University,” Patrick Flannelly, Chief of Police, Lafayette Police Department.
About the Lafayette Police Department
The Mission of the Lafayette Police Department is to efficiently provide quality police service to our community by promoting a safe environment through a police-citizen partnership, with an emphasis on mutual trust, integrity, fairness, and professionalism.
About Purdue Technical Assistance Program
The Purdue Technical Assistance Program (TAP) provides technical assistance, performance improvement, and technology adoption through programs and services that utilize faculty, students, and staff in nine statewide offices. Employers served include companies, hospitals, health departments, and governmental units throughout the state. Impacts are considerable, and since 1986 TAP programs and services have assisted over 13,000 organizations, trained over 34,000 employees, created or retained over $1 billion in sales, increased capital investments by $243 million, contributed to cost savings of $120 million, and created or retained over 13,000 jobs in the state.