As the Lake Travis area continues to grow at a rapid pace, one thing every resident wants is continued safety. In Lakeway alone, this is not an easy task. The Lakeway Police Department has their hands full.
In 2016, Lakeway Police Department made more than 11,000 traffic stops. They made 200 custody arrests and 121 warrant arrests. Not to mention 201 violations of possession of drug paraphernalia, 93 violations for possession of a controlled substance, 61 DWIs … and then there’s the 952 animal calls and 284 collisions.
Plus, the Lakeway Police Department is operating out of a building they’ve outgrown. Like literally — the lockers aren’t big enough for officers to store their equipment.
So what does the future hold for Lakeway’s finest?
First, they’re honoring the career of a special 4-legged friend. Then it’s on to solidifying plans for a new Justice Center.
Beloved K-9 Retires
The Lakeway Police Department is saying goodbye to a loyal family member — Orka, a female German Shepard who has an impressive service record. In fact, Orka helped launch the department’s K-9 program.
This exceptional canine retired from narcotics detection on January 27, 2017. She served a total of seven successful years of service with both APD and Lakeway Police Department, which is a long career for a K-9.
Over the past three years, Orka and her handler, Officer Wendy Kanzenbach, have played important roles in seizures and arrests made by the Lakeway Police Department.
Orka’s retirement ceremony is open to the public. It will be held on Friday, February 3 at Lakeway City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing) at 3 p.m.
Lakeway Justice Center
The new building will most likely be located near the Lake Travis Community Library at Lohmans Spur and Lohmans Crossing. Now that we have a snazzy new traffic light, that will make life much easier.
Plans for the new two-story, 29,000-square-foot building were proposed in December 2016. The design would be built with future growth in mind, so the Lakeway Police Department can also grow as needed without space constraints.
The new Justice Center will have everything the Lakeway Police Department needs to protect and communicate with its citizens like a briefing room, forensic rooms, private interview rooms for victims, a canine area, and a security station.
The lower level of the building will be dedicated to officers with lockers, showers, an exercise room, and dressing areas. To help officers transport prisoners safely, the building will have a secure “sally” driveway.
Next week, the Police Facility Building Committee, which includes Mayor Joe Bain, City Council Member Jim Powell, former Mayor Dave DeOme, and City Manager Steve Jones, will review estimates for construction costs.
From Lake Travis Lifestyle to the Lakeway Police Department, congrats to Orka on her successful career — woof!
Photo from City of Lakeway
