LaPorte County-Yesterday, Sunday, August 5th, officers from multi-agencies participated in making the local beaches safer for the International Power Boat Races.

Twenty seven plain clothes officers from the Indiana State Excise Police, Michigan City Police, Long Beach Police, LaPorte City Police, Trail Creek Police, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department DUI Task Force (funded by the Criminal Justice Institute) and the Indiana State Police searched local beaches for alcohol or drug violations.

For five hours the officers utilized all Terrain Vehicles (ATV), foot patrols and roving marked police cars at the Washington Park and Long Beach in LaPorte County.  Eight citations were issued for various alcohol related offenses, one local ordinance violation, five seat belt arrests, one child restraint arrest, one driving while suspended, one wanted person and eighteen traffic warnings along with twenty other local ordinance warnings.

Indiana State Police Lieutenant Dave Kirkham Criminal Investigation Division Area I Commander stated, “There are other planned efforts to participate in more joint beach operations this year.  This operation is a great way for all departments to utilize combined manpower, resources and equipment to make our beaches a safer environment for all to enjoy.”

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.