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7 Key Ways The City Of New Port Richey Police Department Is Transforming Community Safety In 2025

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The City of New Port Richey Police Department (NPRPD) is currently operating at the forefront of modern community policing, shifting its focus from purely reactive enforcement to proactive, partnership-based solutions in 2025. This progressive approach, spearheaded by a veteran command staff, is designed to tackle complex issues like homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse head-on, ensuring a safer and more stable environment for all residents and visitors.

As of late 2024 and early 2025, the department, which employs 46 sworn officers, continues to build on its foundation of "Fair & Impartial Policing" while launching new initiatives that prioritize public engagement and inter-agency cooperation. The following is an in-depth look at the department’s leadership, its most impactful programs, and the latest developments shaping law enforcement in the heart of Pasco County.

Command Staff and Leadership: Full Biography Profiles

The operational direction of the New Port Richey Police Department is set by two highly experienced law enforcement professionals, bringing decades of combined service to the city’s safety strategy.

Police Chief Robert P. Kochen

  • Current Role: Police Chief, City of New Port Richey Police Department (NPRPD).
  • Experience: Over 35 years of law enforcement service in the State of Florida.
  • Previous Career: Chief Kochen began his law enforcement career in August 1988. He spent 32 years with the Tarpon Springs Police Department (TSPD), where he served as the Chief of Police for 12 years.
  • Appointment: He was appointed as the Chief of Police for the NPRPD by City Manager Debbie L. Manns after retiring from his long tenure at the TSPD.
  • Focus: Known for his long-standing commitment to public service and leadership through various challenges in his previous role, his focus in New Port Richey is on progressive community engagement and effective police operations.

Deputy Police Chief Lauren Letona

  • Current Role: Deputy Police Chief, City of New Port Richey Police Department.
  • Law Enforcement Start: Began her career in 2002 as a Police Officer with the Pinellas Park Police Department.
  • Career Progression: During her time at Pinellas Park, she held several key positions, building a diverse background in police operations and administration.
  • NPRPD Service: Joined the New Port Richey Police Department and served as a Police Lieutenant from 2019 to 2020.
  • Deputy Chief Role: Promoted to Deputy Police Chief, a role she held from 2021 to 2023 and continues to serve in today, making her a vital part of the department’s current command structure.

1. The L.I.F.T. Program: A Groundbreaking Mental Health Partnership

One of the most transformative initiatives currently being championed by the NPRPD is the L.I.F.T. Program, which stands for the Life Improvement Facilitation Team. This is a critical example of modern community policing that moves beyond traditional arrest-and-release cycles.

The L.I.F.T. program is a powerful partnership between the New Port Richey Police Department and BayCare, a leading healthcare provider. The goal is to address the root causes of recurring police calls, specifically those involving homelessness, mental health crises, and substance use disorders.

Instead of solely relying on law enforcement intervention, the L.I.F.T. unit pairs police officers with trained mental health professionals and social workers. This team works collaboratively to connect vulnerable individuals with essential resources, including housing, addiction treatment, and psychiatric care. This approach not only changes lives but also reduces the strain on the police department and emergency services, demonstrating a commitment to compassionate problem-solving.

2. Strategic Focus on Fair and Impartial Policing

The department maintains a strong public commitment to "Fair & Impartial Policing" (FIP). This philosophy is integrated into officer training, daily operations, and community engagement efforts.

FIP ensures that the NPRPD enforces the law without bias, recognizing the statutory and judicial limitations placed upon law enforcement. This commitment is crucial for building and maintaining the trust of a diverse community, which is a cornerstone of effective crime prevention and public safety.

Transparency is another key component, with the department providing clear information on its policies and operational divisions, including the Criminal Investigation Division and Police Operations Division, to the public.

3. Recent Law Enforcement Activity and Community Alerts (2024-2025)

While the department focuses on community initiatives, it remains vigilant in traditional law enforcement duties. Recent activity highlights the ongoing challenges and successes in the New Port Richey area:

  • Illegal Dumping Alert: The NPRPD recently issued a "citizen alert" asking residents to be on the lookout for illegal dumping activities. This partnership with the City of New Port Richey Public Works Department aims to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the city’s public spaces.
  • Federal & County Case Context: Law enforcement activity in the broader Pasco County area remains high. For example, a New Port Richey resident was recently sentenced to concurrent terms of life imprisonment in a significant federal drug case, demonstrating the continued effort by federal agencies, often in cooperation with local police, to combat major crime in the region.
  • FDOT Safety Partnership: The department has partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven to promote road safety awareness. This collaboration is essential for reducing traffic accidents and ensuring pedestrian safety along major corridors.

4. Operational Enhancements and Future Goals (FY 2025-2026)

The NPRPD is continuously looking to improve its operational effectiveness. The department’s forward-looking strategy for the fiscal year 2025-2026 includes several key objectives:

  • Beat Patrol Continuation: The established "Beat Patrol" system, designed for increased police visibility and community interaction, remains a priority. This strategy ensures officers are familiar faces in neighborhoods, fostering better communication and quicker response times.
  • Infrastructure Safety: While not a traditional police role, the department is involved in city-wide safety goals, including continuing the LIFT station inspection program to ensure critical infrastructure maintenance and public health safety.
  • Sworn Officer Staffing: The department maintains a robust force of 46 sworn officers, ensuring a consistent level of protection and service for the city’s population.

The City of New Port Richey Police Department is clearly defined by its modern, dual-focus strategy: aggressive pursuit of major criminal activity when necessary, coupled with compassionate, resource-driven intervention for social issues. Under the leadership of Chief Kochen and Deputy Chief Letona, the NPRPD is setting a standard for how a community-focused police agency can thrive in the 21st century, making the city a safer place one proactive partnership at a time.

7 Key Ways the City of New Port Richey Police Department is Transforming Community Safety in 2025
city of new port richey police department
city of new port richey police department

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