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LaPorte County sheriff reports rise in calls, announces K-9 donation and warns residents about scams
Summary
The LaPorte County sheriff reported a month-to-month rise in calls for service and several departmental updates Feb. 11, including a donated single-purpose drug K-9, near-term handgun transition, scholarship funding details and a caution about a $90,000 Green Dot gift-card scam.
The LaPorte County sheriff told the county’s Sheriff Merit Commission on Feb. 11 that calls for service rose from 1,789 in December to 1,949 in January — a 9% month-to-month increase — putting the department about 4% ahead of last year so far.
The sheriff said crash reports decreased while traffic stops rose, attributing changes largely to winter weather patterns and subsequent road conditions. He told the commission the department’s annual report is nearly complete and expected for review at next month’s meeting.
The sheriff also reviewed training and personnel updates, saying deputies recently completed state-mandated continuing education in topics including defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, autism response, hazmat and domestic violence. He thanked Captain Hynek for coordinating the training and said Deputy Michael Matzke is attending the Northern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and is expected to graduate in April.
On funding and donations, the sheriff said an outside organization identified in the packet as "Indiana HIDA" has agreed to purchase and fund training for a new single-purpose drug K-9 for Deputy John Samuelson at a cost the sheriff described as "just shy of $16,000," noting the gift will relieve county taxpayers of that expense. The sheriff also said proceeds from the department's annual Christmas show typically add about $5,000–$6,000 a year to the Neil Thompson Memorial Scholarship fund, and that the Unity Foundation now manages investments for that scholarship; the sheriff said award decisions and eligibility requirements remain the same.
The department has received new duty handguns but is awaiting holsters; the sheriff said the transition to the new weapons is targeted for March, weather and holster arrival permitting.
He warned residents about an ongoing scam, recounting a recent report in which a woman was instructed to buy Green Dot gift cards and wire funds overseas; the sheriff said the victim lost $90,000. He urged residents to be vigilant and not comply with requests for gift-card payments.
The sheriff read a note of thanks that praised Deputy Adam Mills (transcript contains alternate spellings) for assisting a motorist, and reminded attendees that a pension board meeting would follow, with the next pension meeting set for March 11 at 9 a.m.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the Jan. 14 meeting minutes (motion moved at SEG 030, seconded at SEG 033) and later voted to adjourn the Feb. 11 meeting; both procedural motions were passed by voice vote.
