Plain Clothes Division

The Plain Clothes Division specializes in covert investigations, surveillance, and intelligence gathering to combat criminal activity. Officers work undercover to target narcotics, violent crimes, and other illegal activities while supporting specialized enforcement operations. This division plays a critical role in proactive policing, ensuring the safety and security of Michigan City through strategic and investigative law enforcement efforts.

Criminal Investigations

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.

  • Evidence & Crime Scene Management – Collects, analyzes, and preserves evidence while directing investigators at crime scenes.

  • Investigative & Case Documentation – Uses deductive reasoning to build cases, writes detailed reports, and maintains case records.
  • Warrant & Arrest Operations – Coordinates search and arrest warrants, apprehends suspects, and testifies in court to support convictions.

  • Tactical & Surveillance Support – Operates firearms, conducts surveillance, and utilizes electronic monitoring equipment.

Michigan City Police Taking Photo of Crime Scene

Detective Bureau

Sergeant Lendell Hood

Sergeant Melissa Sopher

Sergeant Ken Eguia

Corporal Kay Pliske

Corporal Jason Costigan

Corporal Adam Brinkman

Corporal Deshone Harris

Detective Tempest Miller

Michigan City Police K9

Crime Supression Unit (Narcotics)

The Street Crime Unit (SCU) targets drug and vice crimes in Michigan City, focusing on street-to-mid-level drug dealers, prescription drug diversion, internet drug crimes, underage alcohol and tobacco sales, prostitution, and illegal gambling. SCU also gathers and processes criminal intelligence.

Detectives conduct hundreds of narcotics investigations annually, often collaborating with the DEA and other law enforcement agencies. The unit also supports the Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol by working undercover and assisting with video and audio surveillance operations.

  • Drug & Vice Enforcement – Targets street-to-mid-level drug dealers, prescription diversion, and internet drug crimes.

  • Criminal Intelligence – Gathers, processes, and shares intelligence to support investigations.

  • Multi-Agency Collaboration – Works with the DEA and local/state agencies on narcotics cases.

  • Undercover & Surveillance Support – Assists investigations with covert operations and audio/video surveillance.

Fugitive Warrant Unit

The Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (F.A.S.T.), established in 2014, focuses on capturing fugitives with active warrants and Most Wanted status. Comprised of detectives and deputies from the Michigan City Police Department, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Marshals, F.A.S.T. leverages local expertise and federal resources to apprehend hundreds of offenders in LaPorte County.

  • Fugitive Tracking & Arrests – Focuses on apprehending individuals with active warrants and Most Wanted status.

  • Multi-Agency Collaboration – Comprised of MCPD, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Marshals.

  • Strategic Resources – Utilizes local officers’ community knowledge and federal agencies’ resources.

  • Proven Effectiveness – Has successfully captured hundreds of fugitives in LaPorte County.

Michigan City Police Plain Clothes Division

Fugitive Warrant Unit

Sergeant Nick Krause

Commander

Corporal Kelley Kennedy

Detective Mark Raymond

Michigan City Police K9

Drug Task Force

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.

  • Covert Surveillance – Conducts video and audio monitoring of suspects.

  • Illegal Trafficking Enforcement – Targets narcotics and firearms sales.

  • Criminal Intelligence – Collects, analyzes, and shares investigative data.

  • Prescription Diversion Prevention – Identifies and prevents the misuse of prescription medications.

School Resource Officers (SRO)

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. MCPD SROs serve as role models and mentors to students, cultivating healthy relationships between Michigan City youth and law enforcement officers.

  • Safety Planning – Develops and implements school safety plans.

  • Conflict Resolution – Provides mediation to resolve disputes.

  • Law Enforcement Actions – Handles detentions, arrests, and searches.

  • Campus Security – Conducts school patrols to ensure safety.

  • Education & Awareness – Teaches law enforcement principles to students.

Michigan City Police and Michigan City School Mascot

School Resource Officers

Detective Maximiliano Hernandez

Detective Taylor Tillman

Michigan City Police Administrative Area

Civilian Staff

The Michigan City Police Department employs several civilian employees in a variety of administrative, technical, scientific, and administrative support functions. The civilian employees of the MCPD work together with the sworn officers in meeting the community’s law enforcement and public safety needs.

  • Administrative Support – Assists with records, communications, and daily department operations.

  • Technical & Scientific Roles – Provides expertise in technology, forensics, and data management.

  • Community Collaboration – Works alongside sworn officers to support law enforcement efforts.

  • Public Safety Assistance – Helps ensure efficient and effective police services for the community.

Information Technology

The Information Technology Division (IT) provides the computer infrastructure in support of the Michigan City Police Department’s public safety mission and service to our citizens. The IT Division is responsible for many mission critical systems and applications which support local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts.

  • IT Infrastructure Support – Maintains critical computer systems for MCPD operations.

  • Public Safety Technology – Supports systems aiding local, state, and federal law enforcement.

  • Mission-Critical Applications – Manages software and hardware essential to department functions.

  • Cybersecurity & Data Management – Ensures secure storage and access to police records and communications.

Michigan City Police Training Simulator

Join Our Team

Become part of Michigan City s finest, where integrity meets dedication in serving our community. Join a team of exceptional officers who protect, serve, and make a meaningful difference in people s lives every day. Our badge represents a proud tradition of excellence and a commitment to the highest standards of public service.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, must be at least 21 years of age, valid driver’s license, pass physical fitness test, and clean criminal record