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Long Beach police report 4,575 calls in 2024, cite new hires and training for increase
Summary
The Long Beach Police Commission reported 4,575 calls for service in 2024 (1,357 more than 2023), credited increased officer-initiated activity after new deputy hires, and highlighted recent training, certifications and equipment additions including an ATV and a new patrol vehicle awaiting delivery.
The Long Beach Police Commission reported the department handled 4,575 calls for service in 2024, up from 3,218 in 2023, an increase of 1,357 calls, Chief Mark Swistek said at the commission’s March 20 meeting.
Chief Swistek said there were 77 arrests in 2024 — 58 misdemeanor, 13 felony and six warrant arrests — and attributed the rise in calls largely to more officer-initiated activity after the department hired additional deputies. "Officer-initiated activity increased as a result of the newly hired Deputies," Swistek said.
Swistek also praised the department’s newer deputies. "Both Deputy Matthew Vopat and Deputy Matthew Disbrow have done an exceptional job since their hiring in the first quarter of 2024," he said, noting both completed their first full year of service and are "very professional" and "self-starters."
The commission reviewed recent training: Corporal Matthew Farthing completed a weeklong firearms instructor course at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and is now a state-certified firearms instructor. Deputy Matthew Vopat completed an American Heart Association CPR/AED instructor class on March 5 and is certified to teach other first responders. The department completed portions of state-mandated training in January and February, with remaining hours to be finished later this year.
Equipment updates discussed included a 2025 Yamaha beach ATV purchased with financial support from the Long Beach Civic Association; Corporal Farthing and Deputy Vangieson volunteered to install emergency lighting to save vendor costs. The Town Council previously approved buying a 2025 Dodge Durango for Sergeant Sightes; the Durango is awaiting shipment with a goal to be on the road in April, and the vehicle will be financed with a loan for roughly four to five years pending final council action.
The commission did not receive public comment during the meeting. The next commission meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2025, at 3 p.m.
