The Lafayette Police Department adopted a new Mission Statement this week. Police Chief Ray Amalfitano stated that the department did not have an official statement of the kind before now.

"The old slogan is 'Protect and Serve', which was on the side of the patrol cars, but we need to go a step further," he said. "If a soldier is set out to do something, to complete a mission, you need to let that soldier know--'This is your mission. This is where I want you to go, and this is what I want you to accomplish.'

"If you look at other departments on the website, they all have mission statements. Some of them are a mile long, but I just felt that something short and sweet and to the point, that's what it needs to be. I just want to introduce it to the citizens."

The statement, which will soon be framed and on larger display at the Lafayette Police Station, reads as follows:

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the Lafayette Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the City of Lafayette by working cooperatively with the public and within the framework fo the US Constitution to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment.

Preserve and Advance Values

We shall uphold this country's values as embodied in the Constitution and shall dedicate ourselves to the preservation of liberty and justice for all.

Improve the Quality of Community Life

We shall strive to improve the quality of community life through the provision of quality of equitable services.

Demonstrate Professionalism

We shall always engage in behavior that is beyond ethical reproach and reflects the integrity of Police professionals.