HighlandIndiana
Highland Police Department – What's New?
WHAT'S NEW?
Highland Police have expanded technology and outreach efforts throughout the community. Whether that's solving or preventing crime, advancing technology or launching new applications for existing strategies, Highland Police Chief Pete Hojnicki said the department is taking a new look at how they do their jobs.
Highland Bike Patrol
Four high-end bicycles and eight eager officers are patrolling events and festivals along with parks and trails to provide another layer of safety in recreational spaces. Wave them down: They’re looking forward to meet-and-greets throughout town. Officer Darren Conley (left), Sgt. Shawn Anderson and Officer Jim Mullins (pictured above) are three of the eight members of the new bike patrol team, which includes Sgt. Glenn Cox, Officers Dan Matusik, JJ Garza, Luke Paprocki and Joel Sulivan.
High-flying Drone Assistance
Officers Frank Peckler and Tom Manyek are taking crime-fighting – and safety
– to the skies over Highland. The two are trained and certified to use the DJI Mavic drone to perform specialized tasks – like locating a missing person or surveying crowds during large events to ensure safety. Once considered exotic, camera-equipped drones have become a workhorse in the skies, providing valuable visuals to those on the ground. “Over the last several years, we’ve noticed more applications for drones – from checking for blockages on the river to searching for missing persons,” Police Chief Pete Hojnicki said. “With a drone, we can see in moments what could take hours to find during a ground search.” The department plans to buy one drone for multiple operators this year.
New K9 team
A German Shepherd from the Czech Republic traveled 4,592 miles to become Highland’s first K9 officer in nearly a decade. Bane and his handler Officer Tony Kowal have become a team highly trained in searches for missing individuals, articles and narcotics.
Regional Swat Team
The Highland Police Department will join the Northwest Indiana Regional SWAT Team to provide another level of safety should the need arise. Personnel will be equipped and train with other communities already involved with the unit.
Neighbors App by Ring
The Highland Police Department is proud to announce we are now a part of the Neighbors App by Ring. This program allows our residents to work together with us to make our neighborhoods safer by having the opportunity to share important crime and safety information. Click here to learn more.
RAVE notification system
The Highland Police Department is one of the first police departments in Lake County to use the new RAVE notification system, which is overseen by the Lake County Emergency Management Division. Highland residents are encouraged to sign up for the Smart 911 Program, which gives dispatchers more information about you and your family in the case of an emergency. Click here to learn more.
Video Surveillance Initiative
Highland residents and businesses may now voluntarily register their video surveillance systems with our police department. If a crime is committed in a particular area, officers will be able to check our map of registered cameras and see if there are any nearby cameras that could help to our officers and investigators. This is a program that other police departments in the United States have been doing and we feel it is a great tool to have in order to assist our officers and investigators in following up on reported crimes. We want everyone to know that this program is free, voluntary and confidential. Only the Highland Police Department will have access to this database of registered video surveillance systems. We want to reemphasize - we are NOT gaining access to your surveillance system, but we are informing you to check your system should a crime have occurred in your vicinity. HOW TO REGISTER: Send your name, address and phone number to [email protected].
Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative
With 175 Americans dying daily from a drug overdose, law enforcement remains on the frontlines doing everything they can to create access to treatment. Lake County and Highland are no exception. To make an even greater impact on the opioid crisis in the region, Highland has partnered with Massachusetts-based PAARI. The Highland Police Department is one of only six police agencies in Indiana to belong to the national effort that provides education, training and resources to take direct action agains drug addiction in their communities. Already, the Highland Police are working to provide victims and their families much-needed guidance in an effort to save a life while providing support for families who suffer when family members are addicted to drugs. It is hoped that by helping individuals through their recovery, they will become productive members of society and shun a life of crime.
INFO: For more information, please contact Det. Cpl. Brian Stanley at (219) 838-3184 or email at [email protected].
Naloxone Training & Acquisition
All Highland officers have recieved to training to provide the medication, Naloxone, which is used to block the effects of opioids in overdose situations. The effects are almost immediate and last about 30 minutes, which allows time for medical help to arrive. Since the drug interdiction is now available over the counter, Highland Police plan to provide public training on how to administer Naloxone.
National Drug Take-Back Initiative
The DEA collects unused/expired prescription drugs twice a year as part of a national campaign to lessen the exposure to abuse, misuse and reduce the impact on our waterways. Highland participates in this pogram 24/7. In 2020, the department collected more than 900 pounds of prescription narcotics. Residents may drop off their drugs at the Highland Police Department anytime. No needles are accepted.
Countywide Volunteers in Policing
Realizing no one agency could properly maintain an emerency response to a major natural disaster or significant event, Highland VIPS Coordinator Sgt. Glenn Cox established a countywide network of VIPS volunteers that represent nearly every law enforcement agency in Lake County along with several from Porter and LaPorte counties. Highland hosts quarterly meetings and training sessions designed to provide a collective response in an emergency situation. Click here to learn more.
License Plate Readers and Intersection Cameras
Highland Police have implemented both a mobile and fixed location License Plate Readers and cameras in an effort to collect data associated with the criminal element. Stolen vehicles, wanted persons along with other notifications are immediately collected and dispersed to local law enforcement via mobile data computers. This information is shared among law enforcement partners to enhance overall crime-fighting measures.
Acquisition/Implementation of Polaris (side by side)
Highland Officers and VIPS regularly patrol the town's trails. The all-wheel drive vehicle allows personnel to maneuver with ease over all types of terrain and allows for easy access over rough terrain and foot bridges. The vehicle is equipped with a first-aid kit and provides enhanced safety for anyone traversing on foot or wheels throughout town.
Highland welcomes 4 new police officers
Please join Highland Police Chief Pete Hojnicki in welcoming our four newest patrol officers to the force. Enmalie Wolke, 26, Corey Anderson, 35, Kade Sapp, 29, and Joshua Brzezinski, 24, will begin academy training Aug. 2 in Hobart and return to Highland to begin official duties Nov. 12.
Highland Police Department
Address
3315 Ridge Road
Highland, IN 46322
Non-emergency telephone
(219) 660-0001
HPD administration
(219) 838-3184
FAX
(219) 972-5095
Mission & Vision
Members of the Highland Police Department’s sworn and civilian staff, its Commission, and its civilian volunteers are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of our community by providing a superior level of service and protection in the most effective and efficient manner.
We value open communication, citizen participation, honesty, fairness, unity, and teamwork.
Emergency Contacts
The Highland Police Department Emergency Contact Service is designed to save precious seconds when it matters most. Police urge seniors and those who have a handicap or disability to be proactive. The process is simple. Fill out a form that lists a trusted contact. Individuals on the form should be able to respond quickly in emergency situations with a key to the residence. Click here to download an emergency contact form.
Crime Watch
This program involves the community along with the police department to take offensive action against crime and other social problems. You can help our police department by becoming a concerned citizen and informing the police of anything that involves actual or potential criminal activities or danger. Valuable information can be provided by you since you are many times the only one in the position to know or observe what is occurring. Keeping Highland safe from crime and other problems should be everybody's goal. We all want to enjoy a peaceful community free of crime. Community policing through Neighborhood Watch will make our town a better and safer place to live.
Please note: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, public meetings have been canceled until further notice.
Bike Path Safety
Since an on-demand crossing light was installed on 45th Street at the bike trail, pedestrians, bikeriders and skateboarders have never been safer. The non-traditional traffic lighting system – known as a Hawk Beacon – is just one of the safeguards in place to keep trails and paths throughout town worry-free. Click here to learn more.
License Plate Violations
State law requires residents moving into the state must acquire Indiana registration plates for their vehicles within 60 days (or sooner if their plates are expiring) of moving into the state. Click here to learn more.
Speed Control Sign
Having received a very positive response from the public in regards to our mobile traffice speed sign, the Highland Police Department now has four signs that are placed in areas of concern. Data collected from the device is used to establish days/times for traffic reinforcement, thus, placing police resources when and where they need to be to deal with problem drivers. Please email Cmdr. John Banasiak at [email protected]
or call (219) 838-3184 x 3304 for a suggested site near you.
Vacation Home Check
The Highland Police Department and our VIPS will keep an eye on your house while you are away. To activate the vacation home check system, simply call the department at (219) 838-3184 and let us know when you’ll be away. Please let us know if you have a house sitter. We also need a contact name and phone number of an individual who has a key along with the makes and models of vehicles that may be in the driveway while you are away.