Laredo’s Shield: 7 Critical Facts About The Laredo Police Department (LPD) And Why Crime Is Dropping In 2025

The Laredo Police Department (LPD) stands as the primary municipal law enforcement agency for the City of Laredo, Texas, operating as the 8th largest police department in the state. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the LPD is actively touting Laredo's status as one of the safest cities in the nation, a fact backed by recent FBI data and a reported mid-2025 drop in overall crime. The department's success is attributed to its commitment to a Community Oriented Policing approach, which focuses on building trust and strong community relationships alongside proactive enforcement. Under the leadership of Chief of Police Miguel A. Rodriguez Jr., the LPD employs a large force of over 600 personnel, comprising both sworn officers and civilian staff. The department is structured into five active command divisions, each overseen by a Command Captain, ensuring comprehensive coverage and specialized operations across the city. This robust structure allows the LPD to manage everything from routine patrol duties to complex narcotics and special operations, which have led to significant recent arrests and seizures.

Laredo Police Department (LPD) Command and Organizational Profile

The Laredo Police Department’s structure is designed for maximum efficiency in a critical border city environment, focusing on specialized units and strong command leadership. The department's commitment extends beyond enforcement to vital community engagement and support services.

• Agency Name: Laredo Police Department (LPD)
• Jurisdiction: City of Laredo, Texas (Webb County)
• Chief of Police: Miguel A. Rodriguez Jr.
• Total Personnel: Over 600 (Sworn Officers and Civilian Staff)
• Organizational Structure: Five Active Command Divisions, each led by a Command Captain.
• Headquarters Address: 4712 Maher Ave, Laredo, TX 78041
• Non-Emergency Phone: (956) 795-2800
• Watch Commander Phone: (956) 795-3134
• Core Philosophy: Community Oriented Policing (COP)
• Key Specialized Units: Narcotics Unit, Special Operations Group (SOG), Community Relations Unit (CRU), Traffic Unit.

The LPD’s Role in Laredo’s Status as One of America’s Safest Cities

The most compelling recent news surrounding the Laredo Police Department is the city's remarkable safety record. In 2024, Laredo was officially recognized, based on FBI data, as one of the safest cities in the United States. This achievement is a direct reflection of the LPD's strategic policing and collaborative efforts with other agencies, such as the Webb County Sheriff's Office and federal partners.

Current Crime Trends and Statistics (2024–2025)

The positive trend continues into 2025, with mid-year updates indicating a further drop in overall crime rates across the board. Laredo's murder rate, in particular, is significantly lower than that of many other major Texas cities, showcasing the effectiveness of local law enforcement strategies. While property crime and violent crime remain concerns, the LPD's proactive stance is credited with maintaining a safe environment for the community.

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However, the LPD is also adapting to new challenges. Recent reports have noted a rise in suicide cases in the mid-2025 update, prompting the LPD to refocus attention on mental health and community support services alongside traditional law enforcement duties. The department's Community Relations Unit (CRU) is a vital entity in this effort, working to bridge the gap between officers and the public.

Major Law Enforcement Operations and Recent Arrests

The LPD’s Special Operations Group (SOG) and Narcotics Unit are consistently engaged in high-impact enforcement. Recent news from 2025 highlights several successful operations, including the execution of multiple search warrants across the city, resulting in a heavy law enforcement presence and significant arrests. The department has also been instrumental in joint operations, such as the U.S. Marshals Service’s "Operation Pick-Off," which resulted in nearly 30 arrests in the Laredo area. These targeted actions are crucial in combating drug trafficking and organized crime, which are persistent issues in a border community.

Specific incidents recently handled by the LPD include the identification of a murder suspect and victims in a 2025 shooting incident, which was noted as the fourth homicide of the year, a figure that is still low compared to other metropolitan areas. Furthermore, the LPD has recently handled high-profile cases, including the arrest of a BCSO deputy accused of pointing a gun at a bar manager and the arrest of a teenager after a shots-fired incident that struck a residence.

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Community-Centric Policing and Public Outreach Initiatives

The Laredo Police Department understands that effective policing relies heavily on community trust. Their adoption of the Community Oriented Policing (COP) model is key to their strategy. This approach emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and proactive engagement rather than solely reactive response to crime.

The Community Relations Unit (CRU)

The CRU serves as the department's dedicated bridge to the public. This unit coordinates numerous programs designed to foster positive interactions and provide educational resources. By actively engaging with citizens, the LPD aims to reduce crime through prevention and shared responsibility.

Key LPD Community Programs and Entities

The LPD supports and runs several programs that are vital to its community-centric mission:

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• Explorer Post 468: This program provides hands-on law enforcement experience to local students year-round, encouraging youth involvement in community service and offering a pathway into the police force.
• Laredo Crime Stoppers: A collaborative effort involving citizens, media, and area law enforcement agencies, Crime Stoppers provides an anonymous method for the public to report criminal activity, which is a powerful tool for solving cases.
• Laredo Independent School District (LISD) Police Department: While a separate entity, the LPD works closely with the LISD Police Department to ensure a safe learning environment for all students and staff within the Laredo school system.
• Victim Assistance Unit: The department operates a dedicated Crime Victim Assistance Unit, providing essential support and resources to those affected by crime in the community.

How to Contact the Laredo Police Department for Non-Emergencies

Knowing the correct non-emergency contact information is crucial for residents who need assistance but do not require an immediate 911 response. The LPD encourages the use of its non-emergency line for reporting non-life-threatening incidents, filing police reports, or asking general questions.

For all emergencies, always dial 9-1-1.

For non-emergency matters, residents can contact the LPD directly:

• Laredo Police Department Non-Emergency Line: (956) 795-2800
• Main Station Front Desk: (956) 795-2828 or (956) 795-2829
• Headquarters Location: 4712 Maher Ave, Laredo, TX 78041

The LPD continues to adapt its strategy to meet the unique needs of a busy border city, maintaining its reputation as a leading agency in Texas and ensuring Laredo remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. The department's ongoing efforts in investigations, community outreach, and specialized operations demonstrate its commitment to public safety in 2025 and beyond.