The Michigan City Police Department announced Friday its receipt of a $180,000 grant through the federal Community Funding Project (CFP) for the purchase and installation of new crime-fighting equipment and technology.
Specifically, the MCPD will use the funding to enhance its conjoined system of Flock Safety Falcon Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) and Flock Safety Raven audio detection devices.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan applied for CFP funding on the MCPD’s behalf, an application and approval process that lasted nearly a year.
“There is much economic development taking place in Michigan City, and this grant will help facilitate that growth by providing law enforcement with equipment to protect this community even more effectively,” Mrvan said at Friday’s press conference. “My colleagues in Congress and I will continue to ensure that Michigan City continues to receive the resources it needs. As we continue forward, let us remember that the collaboration between federal, state, and local entities is a key factor in our mission to continually improve Michigan City.”
Flock Safety Falcon ALPRs and Flock Safety Raven audio detection devices have significantly enabled Michigan City law enforcement officers to respond to and manage crimes more efficiently, according to Police Chief Marty Corley. Working in tandem, these devices have helped officers respond to gunshots within minutes and quickly locate stolen vehicles.
“This technology is essentially a force multiplier for us,” Corley said. “It enables us to patrol areas throughout the community and keep them safe, even when we don’t have an officer on site. We greatly appreciate being awarded this grant; and we plan to use the funds to set up additional Flock Safety Falcon ALPRs, thus expanding the reach of our coverage.
“This [press conference] was a great opportunity for us to come together and show our support for making Michigan City a better place to visit and live in. We look forward to continuing to positively engage with the community, and, in so doing, develop better relationships with the residents of Michigan City. This will enable us to achieve better outcomes as we do our job on a daily basis.”
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said the CFP award will help make Michigan City safer for everyone.
“Public health and safety are priority number one for us,” she said. “Not only for our residents’ benefit but also for that of the people who come to visit our city. We remain committed to putting our best foot forward and showing that this is a safe community.
“I want criminals to know that we will not tolerate them coming into our community and committing crimes, and we're going to use every resource that we have to prosecute. Our ‘shots fired’ statistics are down 33 percent; and the Falcon and Raven system that this grant is supporting has been instrumental in lowering those numbers even more.”
You can learn more about the City of Michigan City’s upcoming announcements, projects, and events by visiting emichigancity.com.
