Carmel, Indiana - May/June '06
Carmel is one of the fastest growing cities in Indiana. With a current population of 66,000, the city has grown more than 44% since 2000. Along with this growth has come the development of several unique areas that are now open or will be open within the next two years. These include:

Central Park, a 161-acre indoor/outdoor "playground" straddling the Monon trail and featuring everything from fishing ponds to gymnasiums.

The Arts and Design District in old town Carmel that will become the location of choice for merchants focused on the arts.

Carmel City Center, a traditional Georgian-style series of brick buildings that will house condos, restaurants, office space, hotels, and the Carmel Performing Arts Center, featuring a 1,600-seat concert hall.

Carmel Police Respond to Growth
Since 1996, the Carmel Police Department has been led by Chief Mike Fogarty, after he retired from the Indianapolis Police Department as commander of the south district in Fountain Square. One of the department's biggest challenges has been responding to the rapid population growth and increased volume of vehicle traffic throughout the Carmel community. The department, which is certified by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), has grown by a third since 2000. It now employs 98 full-time personnel. During this time, the department has introduced programs designed to educate the public and extend their services into the schools. These include:

Citizens Police Academy-a 10-week program designed to educate community members on the department's responsibilities and operations. A modified version for teens was introduced this year.

School Resource Officer (SRO)-the department has assigned personnel to 3 middle schools and the high school as a resource to parents and to interact with the youth in a positive way.

Mobile Unit Provides Added Security
The newest addition to the police and fire departments and the city of Carmel, is their 42-foot Mobile Command Vehicle. This state-of-the-art, self-contained communications vehicle will be used for any type of major incident or event. It is capable of providing live video to anyplace the department deems and can synchronize all radios responding to a scene. It features 4 dispatch work stations, 9 flat-screen monitors, 12 phones, and a hostage negotiations room. Carmel is one of only four Indiana communities with such a vehicle. Police Chief Mike Fogarty calls it "an investment in the community. It fits a niche in keeping Carmel a very safe place to live and work."

Wellness Program Has Made a Difference
Since 2000, the Carmel Police Department has participated in a wellness program that includes annual physicals and fitness evaluations. A recent 6-year analysis of the impact of the program has shown dramatic improvements in risk factor profiles. A significant number of officers have moved out of the high risk category to the medium or low risk category. Since 2000, there has been a 16% reduction in high risk personnel. This improvement in risk factor profiles has led to a projected annual health care savings of $341 per officer. Other variables these wellness improvements can impact include: workers' compensation, disability, absenteeism, presenteeism, and overtime. "In addition to being concerned about the safety and welfare of the community, a chief should have this same concern for his officers. A good wellness program is an investment that helps the officer provide a quality level of service to the community," states Chief Fogarty.

Click here for the Carmel Police Department newsletter article.

For more information on the Carmel Police Department, visit online by clicking here.

© 2006 Public Safety Medical Services