Chief Troy Harris leads the West Police Department with over 26 years of dedicated service in law enforcement. Known for his commitment to community-centered policing and enhancing community safety, Chief Harris has worked tirelessly to build trust, transparency, and collaboration between the police force and the community.

Throughout his career, Chief Harris has served in various roles, including Patrol, Investigations, and Special Services, each of which has prepared him to lead effectively and address the unique challenges of modern policing. A graduate of Purdue University and Northwestern’s Police Staff and Command, Chief Harris also holds specialized training in leadership, crisis intervention, community relations, and tactical operations, making him a well-rounded and forward-thinking leader.

Under his leadership, the department has implemented programs focused on community engagement, officer wellness, and public safety initiatives that target local concerns. Chief Harris believes in the value of strong partnerships with local organizations and agencies and is dedicated to ensuring that the department reflects the community it serves.

Deputy Chief David VanVactor brings extensive experience to the West Lafayette Police Department, where he has served for over 28 years. A Purdue University graduate from the class of 1995, he has held various leadership roles, notably within the patrol and criminal investigations divisions. Rising through the ranks from Sergeant to Lieutenant and then Captain, he has commanded both the Criminal Investigations Division and the Patrol Division.

His expertise extends to specialized units, including serving on and leading the Special Response Team, contributing to the Narcotics Unit, and participating in the Tippecanoe County Anti-Gang Initiative. He also represents WLPD at FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Board Meetings. In his current role as Deputy Chief, he supports the Chief of Police and the Police Merit Commission in managing department operations.

Captain Adam Ferguson joined the West Lafayette Police Department (WLPD) after beginning his career as a Purdue University student in 1995. Starting as a patrol dispatcher in 1999, he became a patrol officer in 2001 and attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Indiana State University.

With over 22 years of service on the WLPD Special Response Team, Captain Ferguson has also served as a physical tactics and less-lethal instructor, a Taser instructor, and a K9 handler. Outside of WLPD, he is deeply involved in community service, acting as a Big Brother and board vice president for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette. Additionally, he volunteers with Special Olympics of Tippecanoe County, where he leads fundraising events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Dunkin’ Cop on a Rooftop program.

Captain Art Choate is the Captain of Special Services at the West Lafayette Police Department, where he has served for 24 years. He oversees the department’s facility, fleet, records, training, IT, administrative investigations, recruitment, community outreach, accreditation, and property and evidence management. A Purdue University alumnus with a BA, Captain Choate previously worked as a corrections officer with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office. He is a graduate of Northwestern's School for Staff and Command (Class #375) and the FBI National Academy (Class 270), and he is currently pursuing a Master of Public Safety at the University of Virginia.

Throughout his career, Captain Choate has held roles as a detective, patrol sergeant, and patrol lieutenant, and has been a use of force instructor, Taser instructor, RAD instructor, active shooter instructor, field training officer, and Special Response Team member. He has actively participated in community initiatives such as CASA Bike Ride, Shop with a Cop, Polar Plunge, and United Way. He has hosted a weekly show, Talk Shop with a Cop, on Bob FM 95.3 since 2015 and currently serves on the boards of the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) and the Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency. Captain Choate expresses pride in serving the citizens of West Lafayette for over two decades.