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

Snyder received his bachelor's degree in Criminology from Ohio University, a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia, and is nearing completion of his Master's of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership at the University of San Diego, California. Chief Snyder is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 297), FBI - LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Institute, and the prestigious Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) through the Police Executive Research Forum.

He maintains multiple professional memberships including: FBI National Academy Associates, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Homicide Investigators Association, and the Ohio Tactical Officers Association. He is an engagement advocate and member of the Lancaster Rotary Club, Lancaster Public Education Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Ohio University Law Enforcement Panel. Chief Snyder has presented and instructed on the topics of recruiting, retention, and development for the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

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Chief Snyder is a staunch proponent of officer safety and an prioritizes advanced training to develop the men and women of the Lancaster Police Department. As Chief, his primary goal is to protect the public and put his people in the best positions to succeed.