Programs

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a police officer? The Michigan City Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy (MCPA) offers a hands-on experience for community members to learn about police work. We’re not just about training—we make it fun! You’ll gain a better understanding of law enforcement while participating in exciting, interactive activities.

Note: This program is not a certification course to become a police officer.

Program Details:

• When: Thursday evenings, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (6 weeks, starting in October)
• Cost: FREE – Includes materials, t-shirt, refreshments, and giveaways
• Class Size: Limited to 35 participants (21+ years old, background check required)

What You’ll Experience:

• Hands-On Training: Crime scene investigation (CSI), patrol tactics, firearm safety, taser use, K9 demonstrations, and more
• Interactive Learning: Work in teams with detectives on a simulated homicide investigation during a bonus CSI day
• Meet Our Officers: Connect with officers, command staff, and certified instructors in a fun, engaging environment

The MCPD Youth Leadership Academy is a free, week-long program designed to inspire, motivate, and develop leadership skills in Michigan City’s youth. Students will participate in hands-on activities, team-building exercises, and interactive demonstrations led by law enforcement, community leaders, and local businesses.

Program Highlights:

• Leadership Development: Guest speakers from law enforcement, business, and the community.
  SWAT & K-9
• Demonstrations: See MCPD’s tactical team in action and learn about police K-9 operations.
• Crime Scene Investigations (CSI): Solve cases as a team in mock investigations.
• Police Work Stations: Experience ATV patrols, scuba team, squad cars, motorcycle patrols, and golf cart races.
• Facility Tours: Go behind the scenes at MCPD headquarters and LaPorte County Jail.
• Cardboard Boat Challenge: Design and build a boat for the Michigan City Parade.

Eligibility & Details:

• Who: Open to incoming 7th & 8th grade students in Michigan City Area Schools.
• Cost: Free! Includes breakfast, lunch, uniform, and graduation certificate.
• Location: Michigan City Police Department – Community Room.
• Dates/Times: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Dates announced soon).

Neighborhood Watch is a community-driven program that brings residents and law enforcement together to prevent crime and improve neighborhood safety. It started in the 1960s as a response to rising burglary rates and has grown into a nationwide effort promoting community pride and unity. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community. For more information, contact the Michigan City Police Department.

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Group:

1. Talk to Your Neighbors: Gauge interest and explain the benefits of working together for a safer community.
2. Contact MCPD: Let us know you’re interested—we’ll support your efforts and attend your first meeting.
3. Host a Meeting: Gather your neighbors and invite MCPD to discuss safety concerns and organize your group.
4. Stay Connected: Keep neighbors informed and maintain regular contact with MCPD for updates, resources, and ongoing support.
5. Stay Committed: It takes time to grow. Start small, stay consistent, and more neighbors will join.

In response to community concerns about crime in the Michigan City neighborhoods, Chief Steve Forker and his administrative team are pleased to announce a new feature to assist members of the community in providing video footage of crimes being committed. Security cameras, ring doorbell cameras and the like are wisely utilized by numerous community members as a means of home security. Should someone attempt to break into your home or vehicle, those using security cameras will most likely have a video recording of the suspect.

A camera registry portal is now available with the Michigan City Police Department.  By registering your cameras, it helps MCPD investigate incidents near your location and helps investigators get in touch with you in case of a criminal incident near you.  Registering your home security cameras helps keep your community safe.

Access to the Camera Registry is easy; simply create an account by copying the link below into your browser or scanning the QR Code. Once registered you will be able to receive messages from the police department. For example, if multiple vehicles were being broken into in a neighborhood the police department may send a message to your secure account asking you to check your cameras for any video footage of the suspects. It is important to note that registering for this feature does NOT allow the police department access to your home surveillance cameras. It only allows us to send you a request for video and then enables MCPD to provide a link for you to manually upload video footage and/or send and receive messages. There is no cost to register for this feature and registration is completely voluntary.