East Chicago Hires 9 New Police Officers

Описание: Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, East Chicago, Indiana Police Department today released the following information;

Mayor Anthony Copeland and Chief Becker swore in 9 new probationary police officers on Friday, January 10, 2014, which brings the departments officer staffing level to 94 officers. Becker noted that the city has undertaken several innovative steps in recent years to address public safety concerns and that the increase in manpower is a welcome addition to those efforts.

Once the training is complete, officers will discharge their duties and defend the Constitution of the United States. Several family members gathered to support their loved ones.

Mayor Anthony Copeland stated, " This is proud moment for our city. This is a sizable increase in our police workforce. Public safety has been one of our top priorities. We have in place a Merit Commission and over-site committee to help us along the way with a newly implemented merit system. The chief has assured me we will have one of the most professional Police Departments in the State of Indiana and we are well under way to accomplishing that goal."

Chief Mark Becker stated, " I would to like to say two words you don't often hear and that is Thank You, to all of the officers and their families who support them, because this is a tough job. It is both physically and mentally demanding. I'd also like to thank you to the officers for all the birthdays they are going to miss, holidays, all the long hours they are going to have to put in and all the help they are going to bring to our community and people who work in and visit East Chicago."

The partnership with Dr. Joseph Ferrandino, IUN, in terms of identifying and mapping crime for the city on a regular basis is just one such effort that the city has undertaken to make efficient and effective use of their resources. The introduction of the ShotSpotter technology, which identifies gunshots and nearly exact locations from which the weapon is being fired is yet another resource that the city has pursued this past year. Becker noted that the input from IUN has been invaluable in addressing both existing issues as well as identifying potential new issues in the city.

Becker added that the city was recently awarded funding via the COPS Program by the Department of Justice to address the hiring of additional officers and that efforts are now underway to identify qualified candidates . Those interested in applying for the probationary police officer position are urged to collect an application from the police department, 2301 E. Columbus Drive, during normal business hours.

Applications will not be accepted after January 15, 2014.

With so many new and innovative tools that the police department are providing in order reduce crime, the new addition only contributes to their efforts in a positive way. More officers on the streets will mean more safety for the City.