The Michigan City Police Department is unique compared to other departments in the Region. Michigan City’s department currently has 84 officers and several different divisions.
Chief of Police Steven Forker explained the department has a detective bureau, a traffic division, a drug task force, a crime suppression unit, a warrants division, and patrol. This allows officers to specialize and find their niche within law enforcement.
“What's great about being here and being a part of the Michigan City Police is having the opportunity to be involved in all of those different aspects of policing,” Forker said. “It really allows myself, and any member of our department to have a really diverse career, if somebody wants to do so. Having all those different avenues allows officers to find their niche in law enforcement.”
The separation of the divisions offers opportunities for specialization and inspires collaboration across divisions.
“People have the opportunity to find their niche and excel in a certain area, and then we have to have those collaborative efforts,” Forker said. “Our patrol division takes the initial reports and gathers information which gets forwarded to our detective bureau. Those two working together in collaboration, ultimately, may develop a case, develop leads, and develop charges, if appropriate. It’s important to collaborate between the units and all the different divisions. It is really what makes the culture here unique and a great place to be a part of.”
Forker described the department as a large, small department. The largeness allows for opportunities within different divisions, but the smallness lets the department connect with one another and interact, but make connections with the community.
“That's what I love about our department. We're a big enough department where we can have those different divisions, but we have those opportunities on a smaller scale than, say, a Chicago or even a South Bend,” said Forker. “That's what's great about our department and working here.”
The Michigan City Police Department also hosts academies for community members to attend and learn more about policing. The Youth Leadership Academy targets middle-school-age children to develop leadership skills and provide insight into police work. The Citizens Police Academy is open to those over 21 years of age interested in learning more about the behind-the-scenes of policing.
“I think that's what makes us unique; we have all of those different opportunities to advance your career,” Forker said. “There's room for growth and promotion, and within our rank structure, you can continue to advance your career from Patrolman to Corporal Sergeant, Lieutenant Captain, Assistant Chief of Police, to the Chief of Police. There's room for advancement, there's room for growth, and there's obviously room for opportunities.”
Along with the ability to grow within the department, you are also able to grow with the city. Michigan City is rapidly growing with the construction of the SouthShore double track, new train station, and new living spaces.
“Now is a great time to join the Michigan City Police Department because we foresee exponential growth here in the city in the next five to 10 years. It would be a great time to get in the door and get started on this great career,” said Forker.
Salaries, benefits, frequently asked questions and the job application can be found on joinmcpd.com. Another round of testing will be done Saturday, November 4. If you are interested, it is encouraged to apply before Nov. 1.