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Chesterton Police Commission updates dispatch consolidation, canine unit and staffing
Summary
At its July 13 meeting, the Chesterton Police Commission heard that the department’s K‑9 Zeke was certified as a dual‑purpose dog, staffing levels are near full complement with probationary officers progressing, a regional dispatch consolidation is planned for Oct. 1, and two 2026 patrol vehicles were purchased.
At the July 13 meeting of the Town of Chesterton Police Commission, department leaders gave a series of operational updates, including a dispatch consolidation timetable, progress on probationary officers, a canine certification and a 2026 fleet purchase.
Chief (responding to the commission) said the department has recorded just shy of 7,000 calls for service in the first half of the year — “which will likely put us around 14,000 for the full year” — and about 1,400 traffic stops so far. He noted one officer is in the field training officer (FTO) program, which affects some statistics.
Cisco reported that the department’s canine, Zeke, was certified July 1 as a dual‑purpose K‑9. “So now not only does he do narcotics detection, but now apprehension and aggression work,” Cisco said. The commission praised Sergeant Lasasi and the dog’s handler, Sergeant Lisowski, for their work in training and handling the K‑9.
The chief provided details about a planned regional dispatch consolidation that targets an Oct. 1 transition. He said that until the receiving 9‑1‑1 center is fully staffed and trained, Chesterton will temporarily operate on the county sheriff’s radio channel and that Porter and Chesterton ultimately are expected to have a dedicated talk group. “We will temporarily be on the sheriff's department's channel,” the chief said, adding that officials have met with neighboring chiefs and the 9‑1‑1 director to maintain 24/7 coverage during the changeover.
On personnel, Cisco updated commissioners on probationary officers. Officer Overholster and Officer Manns have been operating independently and are expected to come off probation next month; Officer Leathers completed phase 1 of FTO and is now on night shift for phase 2 with plans to evaluate her for independent patrol assignment in the middle of next month.
On equipment, the chief reported the department purchased two 2026 Dodge Durango units with assistance from town council and the clerk‑treasurer; the vehicles are awaiting upfitting and are expected to be on the road within two to three months once parts and build work are complete.
The commission was also told that semiannual employee evaluations are underway: supervisors will submit midyear reviews toward the end of July and Cisco will record scores used later for promotion considerations.
No formal policy votes were taken on these operational items during the meeting; the commission instead accepted the June 8 minutes and later adjourned. The department indicated it will keep the commission updated as the dispatch consolidation and vehicle upfits progress.
