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Porter Police Commission appoints officers, adopts SOPs and authorizes hiring contingent on SRO grant
Summary
The Porter Police Commission appointed Jerry Groot president, retained Tammy as recording secretary, approved SOPs vetted through Lexipol, and authorized contingent hiring linked to a School Resource Officer (SRO) grant application for Discovery Charter School; a $500 donation for AED supplies was also announced.
The Porter Police Commission confirmed several personnel actions, approved a first batch of standard operating procedures and agreed to begin a contingent hiring process tied to a pending School Resource Officer grant.
Commission member Huckabee moved to appoint Jerry Groot as president of the Porter Police Commission; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. A commission member nominated "Jeffrey" for vice president and the commission approved the nomination. The commission also voted to retain Tammy as recording secretary and to approve the minutes of the Jan. 20, 2026 meeting.
The police chief briefed commissioners on department activity and highlighted a smooth July 4 weekend, crediting proactive traffic direction and a cone system developed by Officer Joe Creed. "Our officers have been very busy, but doing a very good job," the chief said.
In policy business, the commission approved official adoption of a first batch of SOPs that the chief said were vetted by the department attorney and prepared in the Lexipol policy manager. The chief said additional batches will be shared for review at future meetings.
On personnel planning, the commission reviewed and approved a job description to hire a full-time police clerk. The chief explained the hiring would be internal first and then external if no internal candidate is available.
The chief also briefed the commission on a grant application submitted by Discovery Charter School for a School Resource Officer. "Whether or not Discovery Charter School is approved will be September 1," the chief said. He requested, and the commission granted, permission to begin a contingent hiring process for a full-time officer that would be filled only if the SRO grant is approved, to avoid delays if the grant is awarded.
The chief thanked the Doolin Exchange Club for a $500 donation earmarked for medical supplies; he said most of the money is likely to go toward replacement AED pads after a recent save. A liaison also publicly thanked the exchange club and praised officers for their work over the holiday weekend.
The commission discussed community outreach plans for an event renamed "Safety Fest" (formerly "Cookout with the Cops"). Committee members settled on Friday, Aug. 7, as the likely date, though speakers noted some confusion over flyer dates.
The meeting concluded after brief commissioner remarks and expressions of appreciation for departmental service; a motion to adjourn was approved.
