Our Team

The Lancaster Police Department has an authorized staffing level of (79) sworn members and (15) civilian staff. The communications division, clerical, and evidence room staff work in conjunction with sworn officers to provide high quality police services to all. Our network of critical roles demands selfless leadership. The focus of the Lancaster Police Department's leadership team is putting our people in the best positions to succeed, while emphasizing training, support, and safety.

Chief of Police, Nicholas Snyder, has served with the Lancaster Police Department since 2005. He has served in multiple capacities including patrol officer, detective, Major Crimes Unit/SCRAP, Special Response Team, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. He is a former commander of the department’s Special Response Team and special services units. In 2022, Snyder was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police, and a short time later, Chief of Police.

Snyder graduated with a bachelor's degree from Ohio University, Athens, in 2003. Chief Snyder maintains multiple memberships including the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Homicide Investigators Association, and the Ohio Tactical Officers Association. He is a member of the Lancaster Rotary Club, Lancaster Public Education Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Chief Snyder's primary goal is to protect the members of his organization and the citizens of Lancaster. He is a staunch supporter of officer safety and an advocate for advanced training. Chief Snyder recognizes that law enforcement must break its comfortable boundaries while further pushing expectations and processes.

Nicholas H. Snyder

Chief of Police