Innovative prevention programs are required to keep our community safe. These programs allow us to:

• Connect with the children in our community.
• Develop relationships that teach them to stay off drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
• Teach the dangers of and how to detect online predators.
• Promote social media awareness and responsibility.

Personal relationships between the children and police bring:

• Children will trust and come to us when something doesn’t seem right.
• We will provide educational programs to parents/guardians to help them recognize warning signs when their kids are being tempted by bad influences.

Community engagement is monumental for public safety.  We must work together to make our community better.  By having multiple community engagement programs, we reach people who may be interested in public safety for various reasons.  Community engagement builds trust, transparency and communication, all of which are necessary to build a stronger community, together.

There is not one singular approach that will solve the problems of drug abuse in our county.  We will continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies, substance dependency counselors, mental health providers and other social service providers to tackle this problem.  If we stay diligent and focused, we will make a difference in Porter County, which will save lives and families.