HighlandIndiana
Highland Police Department – VIPS
VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICE
Highland’s Volunteers in Police Services program is one of five in Lake County and a member of the national initiative. The idea of a citizen corps whose volunteer efforts would make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to emergency situations was espoused by President George Bush in the days and months following the attacks on New York and Washington D.C. in 2001.
Terry Krooswyk began his serivce when the town's VIPS prorgram launched in 2005. He joined with a few others after attending the Citizens Police Academy. “We all have our niches and do what we can,” Krooswyk said. “I enjoy the interaction with the public and opportunity to give back. Because we do what we do, police are free to do what they need to do.”
“Our town is even better through the efforts of these dedicated volunteers,” Councilman Mark Herak said. “These individuals give of themselves without expecting anything in return.”
How to apply
The town is looking for dedicated individuals who want to work alongside Highland police and help keep our community safe. Training and uniform are provided. Have fun, make new friends, while providing this volunteer service to the community.
VIPs assist police officers by providing a variety of tasks including: vacation home checks, directing traffic, traffic patrols in residential/business/park districts (on foot, bicycle, or vehicle), providing funeral escorts, conducting finger printing, filing, typing, even answering telephones. Tasks and assignments vary per ability and interest. All hours and shifts are available.
If you are interested, please click here to download an application or contact VIPS Coordinator Deputy Cmdr. Glenn Cox at (219) 838-3184.
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.