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Commissioners table resolution to let off‑duty officers use county squad cars for private‑road enforcement
Summary
The board tabled a resolution to join a state pilot allowing off‑duty officers to enforce traffic on private subdivision roads using county squad cars with Extra Duty Solutions as third‑party provider; commissioners raised liability, court‑time and reimbursement concerns and asked for more analysis.
The Porter County Board of Commissioners voted to table a resolution that would have authorized the county to participate in a state pilot program allowing certain homeowners associations to contract with off‑duty officers working from county squad cars.
County staff explained the pilot — authorized by recent state legislation, as read at the meeting — would let qualifying homeowners associations enter agreements for traffic enforcement on private roads and would use Extra Duty Solutions as the third‑party provider and biller. The proposed reimbursement rate for vehicle usage, as presented, was $15 per hour paid back to the county; staff said that figure reflected an auditor office analysis and was intended to cover fueling and upkeep while an officer receives pay directly from Extra Duty Solutions.
Commissioners and other speakers raised multiple concerns: whether $15 per hour covers wear, insurance and fuel; whether officers would be asked to appear in court without separate compensation; and whether the pilot could create inequities (one private community using the pilot while others do not). One commissioner called the rate "artificially low" and questioned why Lakes of the Four Seasons or other homeowners associations would agree to the proposal given anticipated resident costs.
The sheriff’s department was discussed as a key participant; staff emphasized the resolution is modifiable and that the pilot period is temporary, allowing the county to revisit the rate or participation. After debate a motion to table the resolution until the next meeting passed by voice vote so commissioners and the sheriff could review the math and implications.
Next steps: the item was tabled to the next meeting (June 23) for further review; commissioners asked staff and the sheriff to provide a clearer cost analysis and projected liability exposure prior to reconsideration.
