Successful Practices & Strategies Vol. 2 | No. 6

Lawrence Police Department 

Lawrence, Massachusetts 

http://www.lawpd.com

Community policing element 

Problem solving 

Problem/issue 

Drugs 

Problem description 

The city of Lawrence has been affected by the increased use and sale of heroin throughout the United 

States. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has identified Lawrence as a source city for heroin because 

of the city’s proximity to two major highways (Routes 93 and 495). In addition to the city’s accessibility, 

the low cost and high purity rate of the drug has had the unwanted effect of attracting buyers from 

surrounding cities and states. As a result, the police department received a significant number of 

complaints from community members, city councilors, and the mayor’s office about drug activity 

occurring on otherwise quiet side streets. Residents reported seeing quick drug transactions between 

out of state vehicles (buyers) and predominately male dealers in other vehicles. 

Community policing strategies implemented 

The COPS Office funding has allowed the department to staff a number of officers in the special 

operations division. The division staffs a street narcotics enforcement unit (SNEU) and several 

community policing officers. Together, these officers and detectives gather information on the latest 

drug hot spots throughout the city and develop plans to address the drug activity in those targeted 

areas. The unit’s main source of information comes from communication and interactions with the 

residential and business communities and with elected officials. The unit gathers information through 

use of a drug hotline, attendance at neighborhood community meetings, and frequent discussions with 

elected officials who relay information provided by their constituents. The department’s crime analysis 

unit and monthly CompStat meetings also provide valuable information about the types of crimes being 

committed and the areas in which they are occurring with the most frequency. The unit then uses a 

number of tactics in dealing with drug activity in these targeted areas, which include undercover patrols 

in high drug areas, buy bust operations, sweeps, and the use of informants. 
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Change and/or impact as a result of these community policing efforts 

In 2013, the special operations division made 1,227 arrests and seized 23 firearms. The unit has seen a 

reduction in the number of drug deals taking place on many of the streets initially complained about by 

residents. The unit has also received information from surrounding police departments that have seen 

an increase in drug activity as a result of the increased and targeted enforcement actions in Lawrence. 

The ability of the department to address these issues has strengthened the partnership and trust built 

between the department, the city’s residents, and its elected officials. 

Lessons learned through program implementation 

The partnership between the department, the community, and the city’s elected officials is a valuable 

asset in addressing crime in the city of Lawrence. The department will make every effort to continue to 

strengthen this relationship in the future. 

The opinions contained herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the 

U.S. Department of Justice. References to specific agencies, companies, products, or services should not be considered an 

endorsement by the author(s) or the U.S. Department of Justice. Rather, the references are illustrations to supplement 

discussion of the issues. 

The Internet references cited in this document were valid as of the date of publication. Given that URLs and websites are in 

constant flux, neither the author(s) nor the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services can vouch for their current validity. 

Published 2015