A Message from the
Public Safety Commissioner
Wade C. Hardy
Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community. Every day, our dedicated professionals work to protect lives, safeguard our neighborhoods, and build community trust through efficient service that is fair and impartial, compassionate, and effective.
Safety and Security
Our primary obligation is to ensure every resident and visitor feels safe—at home, at work, and in public spaces. Through proactive policing, coordinated emergency responses, and strong partnerships across agencies and communities, we are improving strategies while respecting everyone’s rights and dignity. We are also focusing on harm reduction strategies because some community concerns may not be criminal but can still be harmful to the community in other ways.
Fire Prevention and Preparedness
Fire prevention and preparedness save lives. We support fire prevention education, modernizing inspections, and investing in training and equipment so our firefighters and emergency responders are prepared for any challenge—before, during, and after an incident.
Community Enrichment
Public safety extends beyond arrests and enforcement. By supporting youth programs, mental health services, and evidence-based community enrichment strategies, we address root causes, reduce risk, and help individuals and families thrive. Safer communities are healthier communities.
Crime Reduction Through Smart Strategies
We are committed to reducing crime with data-driven approaches, focused deterrence, and community-informed solutions. By prioritizing prevention and accountability, we aim to lower victimization while strengthening public confidence. We pledge to coordinate with our community partners to address local concerns and challenges.
Transparency and Accountability
Trust is earned through openness. We are enhancing transparency in our policies, reporting, and outcomes, and we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Service and Visionary Leadership
Our mission is to deliver service with empathy, excellence, and respect. Guided by purpose-driven, visionary, and transformational leadership, we are embracing innovation, investing in our workforce, and planning to meet evolving challenges.
Together, with our residents, partners, and dedicated public servants, we will continue to build a safer, more resilient community—one where opportunity grows, everyone belongs, and everyone matters.
— Wade Hardy, Public Safety Commissioner
