Your career at MCPD is full of opportunity
With several specialized divisions, units and teams to choose from, your career at MCPD promises versatility and fulfillment. In addition, officers can seek promotion to achieve a higher rank every two years.
Criminal Investigation
MCPD's Criminal Investigation Division is responsible for investigating complaints of misconduct and crimes against persons and property in the City of Michigan City.
Detectives are selected through a formal process and receive extensive training in advanced investigative methods, and perform various tasks that include but are not limited to the following:
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Collect, analyze, and preserve evidence
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Direct crime scene investigators and other law enforcement personnel at crime scenes
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Employ deductive reasoning and analysis to make informed decisions and conclusions that lead to prosecution
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Write detailed case reports and file and maintain records
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Coordinate search and arrest warrants and arrest suspects as needed
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Testify in court regarding case evidence and findings to secure a conviction
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Man and operate firearms and electronic surveillance equipment
Traffic Division
MCPD's Traffic Division protects the public by enforcing laws to curtail unsafe and illegal driving practices by performing the following:
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Speed enforcement
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Intersection surveillance
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Patrol
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DUI and seatbelt checkpoints
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Traffic control
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Traffic pattern management and logistics for community events
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Motorcycle patrol
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Investigations of severe bodily injury or fatality accidents
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Accident reconstruction
La Porte County
Drug Task Force (LPDTF) Unit
The La Porte County Drug Task Force is comprises highly-trained and tactical undercover detectives from MCPD, LPPD and LPC who enforce narcotic and vice laws in coordination with the United States Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as various local and State law enforcement agencies.
The unit performs various tasks, including:
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Conducting video and audio surveillance of suspects
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Targeting illegal sales of narcotics and firearms
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Gathering, processing and disseminating criminal intelligence
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Diverting prescription medications
Patrol Division
Working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Patrol Division represents the bulk of MCPD's staff. Responsible for the majority of police services rendered by the department, our patrol division comprises uniformed police officers assigned to motor vehicle or foot patrol in designated areas (beats) within the city.
The unit performs various tasks, including:
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Preventative patrol and active enforcement of the law
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General civilian and business assistance
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Emergency assistance
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Public information
Shift hours are as follows:
Patrol Shift 1 - 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Patrol Shift 2 - 2:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Patrol Shift 3 - 10:30 PM - 6:30 AM
K-9 Unit
MCPD currently utilizes 4 K-9 teams. All dogs are trained in narcotic detection, tracking, evidence location, handler protection, and suspect apprehension.
Each K-9 team participates in numerous weeks of training throughout the year and is certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association.
Our K-9s are sworn members of the police department and live with their officer and their family.
FAST Team
(Fugitive Apprehension
Street Team)
The Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) locates and apprehends dangerous fugitives and assists in high-profile investigations.
The team comprises detectives from the Michigan City Police Department, LaPorte County Sheriff's Department, and the United States Marshals Service and are deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force out of Chicago.
This team of detectives executes nationwide warrants for crimes committed in Michigan City.
SWAT Team
MCPD's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is an elite group of officers from various units and divisions within the department who volunteer to serve as SWAT team members.
Specially trained to perform high-risk operations, team members are required to be on-call at all times.
Responsibilities include the following:
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Execute violent criminal search warrants
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Executive arrest warrants of dangerous suspects
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Support the La Porte County Drug Task Force with suspect takedowns
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Respond to barricaded suspects, hostage rescue situations and heavily-armed criminals
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Perform large-scale warrant sweeps
SCUBA Team
Serving as the elite unit for public safety and rescue on the city's waters, MCPD's SCUBA Team responds to boat accidents, accidental drownings, flood emergencies, swift water rescues, and many other water-related crises.
Responsibilities also include conducting underwater crime scene investigations and evidence recovery.
Honor Guard
Honor Guard is a ceremonial unit with MCPD comprised of sworn officers who formally represent our department at funerals and public events.
Responsibilities include serving as pallbearers, rifle bearers, and presenting national, State, and ISP colors. The team also participates in conferences, parades, police memorials, and honor guard competitions.
Division of Professional Standards
MCPD's Division of Professional Standards ensures that the citizens of Michigan City continue to be protected and served by law enforcement professionals who conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, proficiency, and accountability.
Division responsibilities include:
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Freedom of Information Act requests
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Public relations
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Community outreach
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Internal affairs
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Oversee Records Division
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Oversee Training Division
SRO (School Resource Officer)
MCPD School Resource Officers partner with Michigan City Area Schools to provide students with a safe and secure learning environment. Our SROs act as liaisons between the police department and school system, and their responsibilities include the following:
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Safety plan development
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Mediation
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Detention and arrests
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Personal and property searches
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School patrols
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Law enforcement education
In addition to these duties, MCPD SROs serve as role models and mentors to students, cultivating healthy relationships between Michigan City youth and law enforcement officers.
