Valparaiso approves fifth SRO MOU, community safety grants and four additional Flock cameras

Chief McIntyre presented several public-safety items and the Board approved each by voice vote.

SRO MOU: Chief McIntyre said the Valparaiso Police Department and Valparaiso Community Schools mutually agreed to add a fifth school resource officer, primarily stationed at the high school. The officer will teach a career technical education program for the first 2.5–3 hours of the school day and then assume SRO responsibilities as needed. Legal reviewed the MOU and the Board approved the 2026 amendment.

Purple Envelope program: Chief McIntyre introduced a request to apply to the Porter County Community Foundation for $650 to implement a "purple envelope" communication tool intended for people with memory-care needs; police social worker Natalie Bear explained the envelope would include a contact card and optional information the individual chooses to disclose, and estimated one grant would provide roughly 300–350 envelopes. Legal has reviewed GRAMA/grant criteria. The Board approved applying for the $650 grant.

Car seat safety initiative: Natalie Bear also requested $5,000 to buy roughly 20 car seats for families in need and to support outreach and checks; the Board approved the grant request and application.

Flock cameras: Chief McIntyre requested approval to add four additional Flock license-plate reader cameras to improve investigations and locate vulnerable residents (examples cited included finding individuals with dementia or mental-health needs). He said this would make 20 city-owned cameras plus one private camera accessible to the city. The Board approved the purchase.

Each item had legal review; staff will follow up on grant applications and procurement steps as appropriate.