The police department has a staff of 80 employees, including 48 sworn officers whose mission is to protect the community and provide a myriad of other police services. The City of West Lafayette enjoys a low crime rate as a result of the police department's strong emphasis on crime deterrence through highly visible patrols including foot patrol and bicycle patrol as well as the routine motorized mobile patrol. A very strong emphasis is placed on education pertaining to crime prevention, traffic safety, drug and alcohol abuse, and child safety programs at all school levels and in presentations to business and civic organizations.

The highly trained, dedicated professionals of the West Lafayette Police Department work closely with all area police departments in cooperative crime presentation programs and joint training exercises to ensure consistent, well-coordinated police service throughout the Greater Lafayette Community. The high standards attained by the West Lafayette Police Department are a major contributing factor in the excellent quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of West Lafayette.