REGION - EAST CHICAGO STOP TEAM STATS

July 21, 2014

9:00am

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement;

The total number of crimes for the first 6 months of 2014, as reported to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, totals 700 violent and property crimes for this period.  That total, in comparison for the first 6 months of 2013 (853 crimes), represents a decline of 18%.

East Chicago’s violent crime totals rose from 78 incidents to 109, however, the city did experience a decline of 50% in murders (6 to 3).  The city also experienced less property crimes, reporting a drop from 775 to 591 such crimes.  

Overall, East Chicago continues to experience an annual decline in total property and violent crime.

In 2012 the FBI UCR reported a decline in violent crime of 13% and reduction in property crime of 5%, or a total reduction of 6%.  At that time, the total crimes reported to the FBI for 2012 was the lowest in 12 years

In 2013 the FBI UCR reported a slight increase in violent crime of 2%, but a reduction in property crime of 6.5%, or a total reduction of 6%

The total crime reported to the FBI UCR program in 2013 totaled 1,957 crimes, the lowest ever reported by the city since at least 1995. Records prior to 1995 were not available for review

In 2014, for the first 6 months, the downward trend in overall crime continues and despite record low totals reported in 2013, this year is on course to record even lower totals than previously experienced

As of the end of 2013, since 2011, the city had reduced its overall crime reported to the FBI UCR by 11% and the numbers continue to decrease in 2014.  (Crime totals reported to the FBI in 2011 totaled 2,196 and in 2013 totaled 1,957)

All members of the department are to be commended for this continued reduction in crime.  The department will continue its strategic partnerships with Dr. Joseph Ferrandino, Indiana University Northwest Campus, as well as various Federal, State and local agencies.  We also will continue with the varied Community Outreach programs that have proven very successful in maintaining public safety in East Chicago.

The East Chicago STOP Team coupled with the Region STOP Team has both served to increase the police presence on our streets and the relationships they have forged with our community have assisted in building partnerships with our citizens and have encouraged their assistance in helping the officer s keep our community safe. 

Set forth below is breakdown of the crime reported to the FBI/UCR

Operation Stay Smart

PRESS

RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2014

Operation Stay Smart

       

Truancy Related

————————————————————————————

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement;

I am pleased to announce that the 2014-15 school year will find a newly developed strategy to deal with truancy in East Chicago., which we have dubbed “Operation Stay Smart”.  The concept is to stay in school, stay smart and realize your dreams.

For the past several months our officers have teamed with Mayor Anthony Copeland, City Attorney Carla Morgan, East Chicago City Judge Sonya A. Morris, Neighborhoods Inc., Calumet College of St. Joseph, Ivy Tech Community College, East Chicago School Superintendant Dr. Youssef Yomtoob and his staff of administrators and educators, as well as the Board of School Trustees, so as to develop a comprehensive plan to alleviate a growing truancy issue in our city.  These organizations have collaborated as the public safety committee for the Bridges of Care initiative, sponsored by the Foundations of East Chicago.

We continue to work with the School Board so as to develop a more comprehensive and specific definition as to what constitutes truancy, with plans for the City Attorney then to draft an ordinance that would provide our legal system with a mechanism to better hold our students and their parents accountable.  All of these efforts directed to increasing the likelihood that our classrooms are filled each and every day.

In the interim, Mayor Copeland has pledged overtime funding that will result in officers addressing truancy issues each week, which will include visits to the student’s homes and discussions with them and their parents as to returning them back to the classroom.  While it is not our intention to fine or prosecute parents when their children are chronically truant, it is certainly a distinct possibility in those cases in which parents cannot or will not make sure their children are attending school on a regular basis.

Effective immediately, after a fourth truant event, the school will contact the parent/guardian and direct that person meet with school officials so as to discuss those absences.  If the parent/guardian fails to present themselves for that discussion, that will prompt a visit by our officers.  Those visits will continue with every consecutive unexcused absence and if necessary, ensuing fines and criminal action will be pursued by our investigators.

Truancy is a challenge for cities throughout the United States and arguably it is one of the top problems facing communities across the Country.  Repeated absences fuel repeated failures on tests, which often leads to frustration and an increased reluctance by students to return to school.

We recognize that those not attending school are also at greater risk to engage in criminal activity, to include drug use, vandalism, graffiti, shoplifting/thefts and of course the opportunities to join gangs to fill their free time.  

This school year promises to be a special one for our students and our officers look forward to working with school officials and others listed in this release to keep our kids on the right path.

“A CITY OF HOPE AND PROGRESS”

Anthony Copeland Mayor

EAST CHICAGO TO SWEAR IN 9 NEW OFFICERS

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2014

“A CITY OF HOPE AND PROGRESS”

Anthony Copeland Mayor

EAST CHICAGO TO SWEAR IN 9 NEW OFFICERS

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

In our continued effort to maintain the safety for all who visit, work and/or reside in our city, I am pleased to announce the hiring of 9 new police officers, which will bring our staffing level to 99 officers.  The new recruits will attend the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Hobart, Indiana in late July of this year, with graduation in November.

These additional officers are evidence of our continued commitment to increase our presence in our neighborhoods and business corridors.  I look forward to the additional resources, which will allow us to continue with our aggressive community outreach program, maintain our efforts via the East Chicago and the Region STOP Team and allow us to pursue innovative approaches as to dealing with public safety concerns.  

In 2013 the city recorded its lowest crime totals in over 18 years, according to reports published by the FBI through their Uniform Crime Report (UCR). I am proud of the efforts of the men and women of this department and the successes they have attained.  While we take great satisfaction and pride in those successes, we know there is more work ahead. These additional officers will enhance our efforts as deal with the goals and objectives which we have set for ourselves when it comes to facing the challenges regarding public safety.

The officers will be sworn in by Mayor Anthony Copeland on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 1:00pm in the City Council Chambers.  The public is invited to attend.  

Christopher G. Gordon, arrested and charged with the murder of Stephen Davis

P R E S S     R E L E A S E

May 5, 2014

Immediate Release

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement.

Christopher G. Gordon, a 21 year old resident of East Chicago resident, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Stephen Davis, which took place on May 3, 2014 in the 3900 block of Elm Street, East Chicago, Indiana.  Davis had been shot several times outside his residence, according to a probable cause affidavit filed on today’s date by East Chicago Police Detective Maurice Phillips, the lead investigator assigned to this matter. 

On the day of the shooting, East Chicago Police Officers responded to the event and as they did, a black male, later identified as Gordon, was observed running from the area. An off duty officer, assigned to the Region STOP Team, was in the area as well and was able to catch and detain Gordon pending further investigation.

Becker credited the outstanding work of both the patrol officers and the detectives who worked as a team and were able to resolve this matter so quickly.  The Lake County Sheriff’s crime scene personnel are also to be commended for their excellent work, which resulted in the recovery of several items of evidence that has further linked Gordon to this murder.  

“Operation Safe Sale”

P R E S S       R E L E A S E

May 1, 2014

Time:  1:30pm

“Operation Safe Sale”

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement;

In response to what appears to be an ever increasing, or at least a sustained, threat to those that meet with total strangers to take part in transactions of items that have been advertised over the internet, in classified ads and by other means, the East Chicago Police Department is pleased to announce “Operation Safe Sale”.

Recognizing that throughout the United States, to include Northwest Indiana, customers looking to purchase items have been lured to locations, normally carrying large sums of money and then fall victim to robberies and at times very violent assaults.  “Operation Safe Sale” is yet another attempt by our police department to insure the safety of our community and to provide assistance in those types of situations/transactions.

We are inviting the public to use our parking lot as well as the lobby of our police department to meet those advertising items for sale and in so doing, offering a safe environment to deal with strangers and lessen the likelihood of being robbed or assaulted. Certainly utilizing the police department as a venue to transact such business should lessen the likelihood of a crime taking place.  

The program is offered Monday through Friday from 9am-7pm and then on Saturday’s from 11am to 3pm.  During those times, every effort will be made to have an Officer present for that meeting between the buyer and the seller.  The public may also chose to simply use the department’s parking lot or interior lobby, 2301 E. Columbus Drive, to carry out those dealings without an officer present if they so desire.  The parking lot and the lobby are well lit and offer extensive video tape coverage.

Further questions regarding this matter may directed to my office, (219) 391-8331

WANTED!

SUSPECT CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED BATTERY

March 25, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUSPECT CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED BATTERY

[EAST CHICAGO, IN]  On March 25, 2014, East Chicago Police filed one (1) count of Aggravated Battery (a class B felony), three (3) counts of Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (a class C felony each), one (1) count of Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Pregnant Woman (a class C felony), and three (3) counts of Domestic Battery on Elvin Lamar Buchanan (M/31) of East Chicago with the Lake County Prosecutor Office.  

The domestic violence incidents began last year starting in May of 2013.  Elvin, in a state of intoxication, began to argue with his wife, the victim, on several occasions, which on each occasion resulted in severe injury to the victim.  Elvin L. Buchanan is currently incarcerated at the Lake County Jail awaiting trial.

Sergeant Juan Beltran, a supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Division, stated, “This is a clear sign of domestic abuse that has gone on for awhile.  Victims of domestic violence need to file and pursue charges against their attacker.  They need to be aware of services that are available to them to help them identify the signs of a violent partner.  This in turn would help prevent future incidents of family violence to the victim and/or other members of the family before it results in injury, either physical, psychological, and/or death.  I cannot stress the importance of this matter for their safety.”  

Arrest of Timothy M. Pearson

The Region Stop Team today released the following information.

Arrest of Timothy M. Pearson

On Thursday, March 20^th, Region STOP Team members arrested Pearson, following a traffic stop in East Chicago, Indiana.  Pearson is a 35 year old black male and is a resident of East Chicago, Indiana.

At the time of the traffic stop, Pearson was found to be in possession of marijuana. An ensuing investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant in the 4000 block of Grand Boulevard, East Chicago, Indiana.

During the execution of the search warrant, officers recovered approximately 16 pounds of suspected marijuana, drug packaging materials to include a scale and plastic bags, two firearms, one of which was determined to have been stolen and over $36,000 in United States Currency (USC).

The Region STOP Team had previously arrested Pearson in August of 2013 at which time he was found to be in possession of marijuana and USC. At that time, a search warrant was also issued in the 4000 block of Grand Boulevard (different location), which then resulted in the recovery of 11 pounds of marijuana, 2 handguns and approximately $12,000 USC.  

At the time of Pearson’s arrest on March 20^th, he was on bond awaiting disposition of the August 2013 arrest/charges. Additional charges are expected to be filled with the Lake County Prosecutors Office in regards to this latest arrest.

REGION STOP TEAM Press Release Date: March 19, 2014

REGION STOP TEAM

Press Release

Date:    March 19, 2014

Time:    5:00 pm

The Region Stop Team today released the following information.

Arrest of Anthony Polk

On Tuesday, March 19^th, Region STOP Team members were patrolling in Gary, Indiana when they conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for an infraction.  At that time they identified the driver of the vehicle to be Anthony Polk, a black male, 22 years of age and a resident of Gary, Indiana.  The vehicle was also occupied by a female.

The officers determined that Polk’s drivers license was suspended.  During their discussion with Polk, the officers were able to detect a strong odor of marijuana from the vehicle. The officers were also able to observe a clear plastic bag containing a white powder substance on the passenger floor board.  Additional suspected crack cocaine and heroin was also discovered during this investigation.

In total, .9 grams of powder cocaine; 3.4 grams of crack cocaine and 1.8 grams of heroin was recovered, all of which followed a traffic stop.  

Polk was taken into custody and on March 20^th, the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office charged Polk with Dealing in cocaine (A); Possession of heroin with the intent to distribute (B); Possession of cocaine (C) and Possession of a controlled substance (D)

------------------------------------------------------ 

Arrest of Darnell J. Oscar

On March 17^th, Region STOP Team officers responded to the 4000 block of Main Street, East Chicago, in regards to a possible robbery taking place at the Family Dollar Store.

As the officers approached, an East Chicago Police Officer was in the process of approaching two suspects, who were believed to be involved in the matter.

One of the suspects (Darnell J. Oscar) ran from the officer and he was then pursued by both East Chicago and Region STOP Team officers.  As the officers caught up to Oscar, he removed a dark colored semi automatic handgun from his waistband and threw it to the ground.  The subject then refused commands by the officers and a struggle ensued.

During the struggle, Officer Joseph Martinez, a Hammond Police Officer assigned to the Region STOP Team, received minor injuries.  Following the arrest, Oscar proceeded to verbally threaten Officer Martinez and related charges have been filed. In addition, the weapon that Oscar threw to the ground was found to be loaded and the weapon’s serial numbers had been obliterated. 

On March 18^th the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office charged Oscar with 5 felony charges; Possession of an altered handgun (C); Carrying a handgun without a license

(C); Resisting Law Enforcement (D); Battery resulting in bodily injury (D) and Intimidation (D).  

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Arrest of Carlos Spikes and Robert Fitzgerald

On March 11^th Region STOP Team members were patrolling in Gary when they stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction near 10^th and Taft Street.  An occupant of the vehicle was identified as Carlos Spikes, 26 years of age, who was found to have an outstanding felony drug related arrest warrant on file.  The arrest warrant had been issued in 2009 and Spikes was taken into custody without incident.

Region STOP Team members also stopped a vehicle that same date near 15^th and Grant, at which time Robert Fitzpatrick, 18 years of age, was located in the vehicle. It was determined that Fitzpatrick had outstanding felony warrants on file for armed robbery and burglary and was taken into custody without incident.

The Region Stop Team is comprised of fulltime officers from the Hammond, Gary, Lake County Sheriff and the East Chicago Police Departments.  Part time members include the Munster, St. John, Highland, Griffith, Schererville, Dyer, University of Indiana- Northwest Campus (IUN), Whiting and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD).  The effort is supported by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office as well as crime mapping and analytical support by IUN.

Press personnel are invited to contact any of the agency heads that participate on this team.  Questions may also be directed to Chief Mark J. Becker, East Chicago Police Department, cellular telephone (219) 712-0864

The Region STOP Team Arrest - Chauncey L. Hackett Jr.

P R E S S      R E L E A S E

The Region STOP Team

March 3, 2014

6:00 pm

Re:  Chauncey L. Hackett Jr.

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, East Chicago Police Department, today released the following information on behalf of the Region STOP Team;

On February 28, 2014, members of the Region STOP Team were concentrating patrol efforts in the Harbor Section of East Chicago. This effort was in response to increased reports of violence in the area, to include two homicides and several recent reports of shots fired in the area.

While investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 3500 block of Block Avenue, an occupant of the vehicle exited the car and fled from the area. The officers pursued the suspect and upon apprehension, found him to be in possession of a handgun.  Further investigation determined the subject, Hackett Jr., was a convicted felon.

Hacket Jr. is 23 year old, black male, who is a resident of East Chicago, Indiana   

The matter has been turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and it is expected that federal charges will be forthcoming. 

The Region STOP Team Arrest - Ramiro Cabello III

P R E S S      R E L E A S E

The Region STOP Team

March 3, 2014

6:30 pm

Re:  Ramiro Cabello III

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, East Chicago Police Department, today released the following information on behalf of the Region STOP Team;

On February 24, 2014, members of the Region STOP Team, based upon anonymous complaints concerning suspicious activity, approached a residence in the 3900 block of Parrish Avenue, East Chicago, Indiana.  

The officers then came in contact with Ramiro Cabello III, 45 years of age, at which time the officers were able to detect a strong odor of marijuana.  Upon questioning, Cabello admitted that he possessed some “bootleg movies” in the residence and also admitted to possessing marijuana.  Cabello provided consent to search the residence, following which STOP Team officers located approximately 340 grams of marijuana and 1,140 bootleg DVD movies.

Cabello was taken into custody and charges are presently being pursued with the Lake County Prosecutors Office.

This arrest is yet another result stemming from the public’s cooperation with the Region STOP Team.  The public is urged to contact the Region STOP Team at (219) 398-COPS

(219-398-2677)

P R E S S R E L E A S E August 16, 2013 12:30pm - STOP Team makes Drug Bust

P R E S S  R E L E A S E

August 16, 2013

12:30pm

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

On August 15, 2013 at approximately 5:50pm, a vehicle occupied Timothy Pearson, 

34 years of age and Kevin Rhodes, 40 years of age, was curbed by an officer assigned to the department’s recently established “STOP Team”.  The officer had been patrolling the area of Guthrie and Deodar Streets, East Chicago, Indiana when he recognized Pearson to be in the vehicle.  The officer had prior knowledge of the existence of an arrest warrant was on file for Pearson and proceeded to curb the vehicle.

Pearson’s arrest warrant was based on a recent traffic stop made earlier this week, again initiated by a STOP Team officer, who at that time had found him to be in possession of marijuana.  Rhodes was also found to have outstanding arrest warrants on file with East Chicago Police as well as with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Both Pearson and Rhodes are residents of East Chicago.

At the time of the traffic stop last night, as the officer approached the vehicle, he observed a clear plastic bag containing a green leaf like substance, consistent in appearance with that of marijuana, to be sitting on top of the gear shift control.  Both suspects were taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, STOP Team officers executed a search warrant at 4016 Grand Street.  As the officers approached the residence, they noted a strong smell of marijuana, which was detectable from standing outside the residence.

Upon entry into the residence, Adrian Paynes, female, 34 years of age, was found to be present. The ensuing search found approximately 11 pounds of marijuana, two loaded hand guns, over $12,000 in US Currency and several television sets that are suspected to have been stolen from locations yet unknown.  Paynes was taken into custody and is facing related charges.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has joined in the investigation.  A decision will be made in the near future as to perhaps seeking federal charges.

Chief Becker commended the actions of all involved, from those involved in the traffic stops, to the detectives who executed the search warrant.  Becker also stated his gratitude for the assistance provided by the ATF, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.

Additionally, Chief Becker noted that recently area law enforcement agencies have had several discussions as to how to deal with increased murders, gang presence and other types of violent crime.  Those discussions are continuing and new initiatives will soon appear.  Although new ideas and methods are welcome, as is evidenced in this investigation, increasing traffic enforcement is a very basic and effective manner to help reduce the violence the Region has faced.  As of July 1, 2013 the East Chicago Police Department has already exceeded the total traffic stops made for all of 2012.

Research has proven that one of the simplest ways to reduce crime is to stop those who drive poorly.  People who commit serious crimes oftentimes make for poor drivers.  If we remain aggressive and stop would be criminals for minor traffic issues, we will positively impact our crime rate.  The STOP Team is one such initiative that the department has deployed in furtherance of increasing a very visible police presence in the city.

The STOP Team is an aggressive patrol based initiative that the department initiated in April of this year.  Those assigned to the unit are expected to deal with any and all public safety issues that may arise.  Those issues range from dealing with speeding in school zones to dealing with those who would opt to use locations in East Chicago to distribute illegal drugs.    

Through July, over the course of just 3 ½ months, the team has executed nearly 800 traffic stops, made 137 arrests and continue efforts to reach out to the community to gain their trust and assistance in addressing matters such as that described in this release.  The activities of this team coupled with the diligence of all of our officers and support personnel, are very much responsible for the 18% reduction in violent crime during the first 6 months of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012.

  

Press Release for August 4, 2013

August 4, 2013

1:00pm

Chief of Police Mark J. Becker today released the following information:

On August 3, 2013 at 11:15pm officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 3900 block of Drummond.  It was determined that multiple rounds had been fired and two gunshot victims were located at that scene.  They are identified as Ronnie Riley, a black male, age 21 of East Chicago and Robert Billington, age 22, of Chicago, Illinois.  The victims were treated at St. Catherine’s Hospital in East Chicago. Riley sustained a gunshot wounds to his stomach and is being treated.  Billington was treated and released for a “graze” type wound.

Shortly thereafter, a 3^rd gunshot victim was located at Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana.  This victim has been identified Austin Earl Williams, age 24, of Gary, Indiana.  Williams was shot multiple times, to include a wound to his leg.  Williams was transported to Gary by an associate(s). Investigators were initially told conflicting stories, but now believe that Williams was shot in the 3900 block of Drummond as well and then transported to Gary.  

Detectives have a person of interest that they are pursuing in connection with this shooting.  There is no further information available at this time.

  

On August 4, 2013 at 1:45am officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Glenn Patterson, also known as Glenn Spates, a black male, age 34 and an East Chicago resident, shot in the face and the elbow in the 3800 block of Euclid. Investigation also located another shooting victim in the 3900 block of Drummond.  That victim has been identified as Geray C. Campbell, age 34, an East Chicago resident who was shot in the hand and the hip.  

Investigators believe that both men were shot inside Patterson’s residence by unknown individuals.  Campbell successfully escaped the attack, but not without being shot.

Anyone with information regarding these events is requested to contact Detective Maurice Phillips at (219) 391-8306 or they may contact our tip line at (219) 391-8500.

Public involvment is Important to helping solve crime!

The investigation we have conducted thus far regarding Friday's shooting does indicate that someone saw something and simply does not wish to cooperate.  Our department strives to provide effective public safety, but just imagine how much more effective we would be if the public would step up and help us accomplish that when they are in a position to do so.

The death of another resident on Saturday appears to be the result of blunt trauma, such as being struck by a vehicle.  We also had reports of shots fired in the area prior to learning of this event.  Again, it would appear that someone saw something and we again ask for the public to step up and help us resolve this matter.

Finally, we are working with the Department of Natural Resources to learn the details of the death of a man found in the canal near 155th and Indianapolis Boulevard on Sunday.  This man had been reported missing for several days prior to finding his body and we hope that anyone with any information regarding what happened between his disappearance and the time we found his body, would be very helpful.

Thank you and be safe,

mjb

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK MEMORIAL SERVICE

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK MEMORIAL SERVICE

(May 12th –18th, 2013) 

East Chicago Public Safety Facility located at 2301 E. Columbus Dr. East Chicago, Indiana 46312.

You are cordially invited to attend the 

EAST CHICAGO FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, LODGE #59 

MEMORIAL PROGRAM 

presented in conjunction with the 

CITY OF EAST CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT & CITY OF EAST CHICAGO

Tuesday MAY 14TH, 2013

1:30 P.M.

FRONT LAWN 

(Weather permitting)

Refreshments will served after the service inside of the Public Safety Building Gymnasium

Police Chief Mark Becker Provides Crime Report for East Chicago

Mark J. Becker, Chief of Police, today made the following announcement;

Crimes reported to the East Chicago Police Department, which have been submitted to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) for the first quarter of 2013, reflect an increase in property crime, as well as a dramatic drop in violent crime in comparison to crimes reported for the same period in 2012.

The FBI UCR program documents 4 crimes, referred to as “violent crimes”, which include murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.  The program also documents an additional 4 crimes, referred to as “property crimes”, which include burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.

For the first quarter of 2013 (January-March), East Chicago reported a total of 449 crimes in comparison to 406 for the same period in 2012, or an increase of 10%. “Property” crimes (408 versus 328) increased 24% and instances of “Violent” crime (41 versus 78) dropped a significant 47%.  It is noted that violent crime in 2012 was reduced 14% from 2011 totals and it was a year of only 4 murders, among the lowest numbers in the city’s history.  

In 2011, based upon these same UCR numbers, the City of East Chicago had been proclaimed the most violent city in Northwest Indiana (per capita).  Since that time the department has undertaken several steps to turn that trend and increase the level of public safety afforded to those who visit, reside and/or call this city their home.

Aggressive community outreach programs, walking and meeting with residents and business owners, increased police presence via traffic and patrol activities, strategic partnerships with Federal, State and Local agencies and crime mapping and analytical assistance provided by IUN, Gary Campus are among several factors attributable to the marked decline in violent crime.

This is not a proclamation of a victory, but hopefully an indication that the City of East Chicago is headed in the correct direction.  The men and women of this department, both those on the street and those in valued support positions, are to be commended for their dedication and professionalism to our mission.      

A quarterly summary of crimes reported to the FBI’s UCR for the years of 2011-2013

is set forth below;

FBI 

Uniform Crime Reports

East Chicago, Indiana

January - March Totals

LETTER BOMBS - Notice from the ECPD

LETTER BOMBS

You’re really not likely to come across a letter bomb unless you work in a high-risk environment likely to be targeted by extremists or terrorists or you ticked off a precocious science student. But, as with the random civilian deaths from anthrax, ignorance is always a poor defense.

The United States Postal Service processes over 170 billion pieces of mail every year.  The sheer volume of mail makes it impossible for them to screen for bombs.  Be aware of indicators that can help you identify a package or letter bomb and the precautions you can take to avoid being injured by such a device.

Look, smell and listen

Although the appearance of mail bombs may vary, here are the characteristics that show up repeatedly:

• Excessive postage. Logically, a bomber will affix too many stamps because he wants to avoid waiting in line with the device and having to talk face-to-face with a mail clerk.
• Indications of the components.  Watch for protruding wires, aluminum foil or oily stains.  Be wary of sloshing sounds.  Mail bombs may emit a peculiar smell of almonds, shoe polish, chlorine, gasoline or nitrogen.  Any odd odor is suspect.
• Be wary of packages with an uneven balance of weight.
• Mail bombs may be enclosed in a parcel or an envelope.  Keep an eye on both.
• The return address may be vague, nonsensical or there might not be a return address at all.  The postmark may indicate a different location than the return address.
• Postal inspectors have found that mail bombs generally target specific individuals. So they may bear restricted endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Private,” designed to make sure a particular addressee opens the package.  Restricted endorsements are most likely to be present on bombs sent to people who do not usually receive personal mail at the office.  The name may be wrong or misspelled or the package may have the right name, but the wrong job title.  They may also bear only the job title and no name.
• Be suspicious of obviously disguised or strange handwriting or if the name and address on the package or letter are prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering.
• Parcel bombs may have far more tape than necessary or several combinations of tape.  They often carry warnings such as “Fragile–Handle With Care” or “Rush Delivery.”
• Bulkiness. Bombs in letters will contain more than paper, so they will feel hard and inflexible and appear uneven or lopsided.
• Be wary of irregularly shaped packages with soft spots or bulges.
• Biological agents may also be sent through the mail.  In addition to the above indicators, watch for letters or packages with any powdery substance on the outside. Do not sniff suspicious packages!  Remember microscopic particles can be inhaled easily and absorbed quickly.

What to do:

• Call 911. If you see wires, hear ticking or have any reason to suspect a bomb, evacuate your building.
• Do not open the article.  Do not cut any strings, tape or wrappings.
• Isolate the suspicious parcel and evacuate the immediate area.
• Do not submerge the package in water or place it in a confined space, such as a desk drawer or cabinet.  Many homemade bombs depend on the mixing of explosive gases, so you should allow the package maximum ventilation.  If possible, open windows in the immediate area to assist in venting and to minimize the effect of any concussion caused by detonation, but do not linger to do this.
• Make sure that anyone who has touched the package washes their hands with soap and water.  Place items of clothing that have come into contact with the package in plastic bags and give them to the authorities.
• Better safe than sorry.  Do not worry about possible embarrassment if the parcel turns out to be innocent. Call 911 and contact the US Postal Inspection Service.  Local Postal Inspection Service phone numbers are available at http://www.usps.com/ncsc/locators/find-is.html.

Be aware of fake NIPSCO Scam!

Our friends at NIPSCO wished to pass along a “scam” that has come to their attention, in fact one of the victims is from East Chicago.!

A NIPSCO customer had received a call from a male caller who represented himself as a NIPSCO employee and then went on to tell them that their gas was going to be shut off if they did not pay $325.00.  The caller went on to state that they were to purchase a pre-paid green dot card and then to provide them with the card number.

Unfortunately the customer purchased the card and then provided the numbers to the caller. At that time the scammer told them that they needed yet another $325.00 and it was then that the customer became suspicious and contacted NIPSCO.

The number the call came from was 484-898-0831 and the name on the caller ID was “Frank Suero”

This is an ongoing scam and it hits home since one of our own was a victim.  Please report any such activity to the police and remember, if it does not feel right, it likely is not right.  Call the police, that is what we get paid to do

Be safe

mjb

The STOP Team is Coming!

Recently the City Council approved funding in support of a new initiative known as The STOP Team.  This team will be an aggressive patrol based team of officers who will target issues such as gangs, drugs, prostitution, graffiti, burglaries, traffic enforcement and similar types of acitivies. In other words, whatever type of crime or issue arises, this team will be tasked to STOP It!

One of the main objectives of the team will be to engage the community, that is, walk neighborhoods, knock on doors, hear what our resident and business owners are and then act upon them.  As a team, the community and our police department will maintain the safety for those who work, visit and/or make East Chicago their home.

The team will set forth to develop additional “Neighborhood Watch” groups and then once formulated, make sure that those groups are in contact with each other.  In doing such, issues discovered in one section of our city will quickly be communicated to other areas so that we can quickly disrupt and dismantle threats to public safety before small issues grow into large problems.

Interested in hearing more about starting a Neighborhood Watch?  Contact my office and I will be happy to discuss how we can work together to make this program grow and be successful.  Contact me at (219) 391-8331 or by email, markbecker2012@hotmail.com

Until then, remember, if it does not seem right, it is not right.  Call the police and let us figure it out, that is what we get paid to do

Be Safe

IUN Partnership Update

Professor Joseph Ferrandino and his staff at IUN have provided us with thier first glimpse of thier analysis of the crime issues facing our community.  It is fascinating as to how quickly they were able to assemble the data and bring issues and concerns to our attention.  Maps and charts have begun to arrive and we continue to develop strategies as to the efficient use of the resources available to us.

We anticipated that an increase in traffic enforcement would result in a reduction in calls for service, that is, proactive enforcement would reduce the number of reactive calls.  For the first 2 months of the year, our officers increased their self initiated activity by nearly 76 %, as a result, calls for service from the public decreased by nearly 9%.  Clearly the more active we remain, the less issues the community will face.

As always, we rely on the public to keep us informed and invite them to use our anonymous tip line at 219-391-8500

Mark J. Becker

Chief of Police