What can we do about speeding on our street?

First, set an example by being aware of the speed you drive. Second, call the police (258-1678) and make a traffic enforcement request. This lets us know there is a problem and puts an officer in the area to regulate traffic.

How do police officers patrol the city?

The city of Mishawaka is divided into six different beats. Every beat has at least one officer covering it during each of the three shifts (days, afternoons and midnights), seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Backup officers are also positioned on the north and south sides of the river, which is the core north-south dividing line. Depending on manpower, a motor patrol officer (motorcycle) may be utilized as well as traffic (crash) cars. Shift commanders cover the entire city. Neighborhood Enforcement Team officers supplement all of this, covering specific neighborhoods and target areas within the city.

What is community oriented policing?

Community oriented policing has a wide variety of definitions but is generally considered a philosophy and management style that promotes proactive community partnerships to address the root causes of crime and fear affecting quality of life issues. In Mishawaka, officers are assigned to a specific neighborhood where they gather intimate knowledge about the culture, people and workings of that particular area. The people get to know the officer too. Through this partnership, they are able to address and tackle problems, sometimes even before they evolve into a criminal matter. These officers are part of our NEIGHBORHOOD ENFORCEMENT TEAM (NET).

What is the Citizen's Police Academy?

This is a free community program whereby the public is offered the opportunity to learn about the inner-workings of police operations and law enforcement philosophies. There will be a series of classes involving participation by police officers, a judge, a representative from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's office, as well as traffic and crime scene technicians. It is an interactive setting involving hands-on experience, including ride-along programs, evidence collection, mock trials, self-defense, handgun safety, and so on. The academy is a 10 week course, currently meeting on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Again, there is NO FEE for admission and the academy is offered several times throughout the year.

Academy dates and times will be posted, so check back often. For additional information, call our Training Coordinator, DON HAYWOOD at 258-1706.