Porter County Police

April 7, 1976: Go Western In Bicentennial Project

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 7, 1976.

Go Western In Bicentennial Project

By MARK HUMBERT

Decked in western attire and toting six-shooters, three Porter County Sheriff’s deputies will go about their normal duties beginning today, reflecting the past as Bicentennial police.

Patrolmen Walter “Chip” Yanta, William McGhee, and Robert Herring will be participants in a public relations project undertaken by the sheriff’s department through which some of Porter County’s past will be represented.

The three men will make public appearances and with Capt. Lawrence Pennell ー dressed in his modern-day uniform to show contrasting styles ー will make presentations about the history of law enforcement and Porter County before civic groups and school children.

Some of the first special events in which the men will participate will be the Law Enforcement Week program at Southlake Mall, and Fourth of July parades in Chesterton and Hebron. The three also plan to escort the Bicentennial wagon train through Porter County. They will continue to wear special uniforms until the end of the year.

In a news conference Tuesday, when the three men first publicly displayed their traditional western garb, Sheriff Jack J. Bradshaw Sr. explained that his group of Bicentennial officers is the first in Indiana but he picked up the idea by reading about a similar five-man group organized in the Seattle police department.

The men are dressed from head to toe in western clothing depicting the 19th century ー including replicas of six-shot firearms and holsters, purchased individually by the officers who volunteered for the program.

Their clothing ー two western-type shirts, hats, vests, boots, two pairs of pants and a special sheriff’s star ー was purchased through donations from local businesses. Cost was about $200 per man. Donations of four more shirts and pants are being sought.

“We chose costumes from the 1800s because Porter County was organized in 1836,” Bradshaw said. Calling cards printed for each officer in the program notes the organization of the county in 1836, the first sheriff, Benjamin Saylor and the present sheriff, Bradshaw.

Bradshaw noted that when he took the idea to members of his department they were generally receptive to it. Yanta, who coordinated the fundraising for the program, said every merchant contacted by the sheriff’s police was willing to donate. More sponsors are being sought so the men can obtain additional pants and shirts, Yanta said.

Research for the program was completed by Bradshaw and the four officers involved by visiting the library and Porter County Historical Museum archives and by speaking to former sheriffs Mike Crampton and Les Hineline.

“The presentations will be short and each man will speak to a specific topic he has researched,” Pennell said. “Some of the historical data included will be the date the county was organized, the first baby, the first sheriff and the first judge. We will tie in the history of the county as it relates to law enforcement.”

Most of the programs conducted by the men will be done in their off-duty time ー one reason Bradshaw said he selected volunteers from three different shifts.

They will also wear the uniforms on duty. When they make a traffic stop they will display their regular police identification and hand a motorist their Bicentennial calling card, which also briefly explains their appearance.

“There are no legal problems with the uniforms,” Pennell said. “The men are already authorized to make arrests in plainclothes and in four states west of here sheriff’s uniforms are very similar to the ones worn by these three men.”

The three have also practiced using their new firearms.

Patrolman Robert Herring said he volunteered because he believes the benefits derived from good police community relations created through the project will outweigh any ridicule.

“It gives me a chance to tell about our department,” Herring said.

Yanta and McGhee said the same idea led them to volunteer.

One thing none of the three volunteered to do was ride a horse. Only Herring has ever ridden one.

CONTRAST BETWEEN old and new is shown by modern uniform worn by Porter County Police Capt: Larry Pennell and western outfits of )from left) patrolmen Robert Herring, Walter Yanta and William McGhee. Yanta shows his replica of .44 caliber six-shooter…

CONTRAST BETWEEN old and new is shown by modern uniform worn by Porter County Police Capt: Larry Pennell and western outfits of )from left) patrolmen Robert Herring, Walter Yanta and William McGhee. Yanta shows his replica of .44 caliber six-shooter as four officers involved in sheriff’s police Bicentennial project stand in front of old Porter County Jail.

(V-M: Jay Jarrett)

March 21, 1931: HARRY OSBORN ON RAMPAGE HURLS ROCKS THRU CITY HALL GLASS BEFORE OVERPOWERED

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 21, 1931.

HARRY OSBORN ON RAMPAGE HURLS ROCKS THRU CITY HALL GLASS BEFORE OVERPOWERED

Howard Osborn, residing near the Nickel Plate depot, went on a rampage this morning in front of city hall station, and before being overpowered by Policeman Gordon Reynolds and Fireman Wilbur Cowdrey, threw large pieces of concrete through the glass door leading to the city council chamber stairway, and the windshield of the old police car.

One of the hunks of concrete, taken from broken parts in the street curbing, was aimed at Chief of Police Robert L. Felton. The latter had just entered the door leading to the stairway and reached the fourth step when the concrete came hurling through the glass and struck near his feet.

Osborn had a piece of concrete in his hand when Policeman Reynolds rushed down from the station above. He threatened to throw it at the officer if he came any closer, but Reynolds was not intimidated. He grappled with Osborn, and Cowdrey came to his assistance.

Osborn was placed in a padded cell at the county jail. All the time he raved against the police for some fancied wring that had been done him. A search of his clothes revealed $453 in bills, mainly of $20 denomination.

March 19, 1981: Hebron K-9 team heeds Atlanta’s call

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 19, 1981.

Hebron K-9 team heeds Atlanta’s call

by Randy Shirey

HEBRON ー Atlanta’s call for help has been heard in Hebron.

Hebron police Lt. Charles Scott and his German shepherd Christie left today for the terror-stricken city which has experienced 20 known murders of black children in recent months.

Scott will be part of a volunteer Indiana team equipped with specially-trained evidence dogs. The dogs are taught to pick up foreign scents in natural settings.

The idea to send a state team originated with Pat Little, an Indianapolis dog trainer who heard Atlanta’s pitch for assistance three weeks ago on a television newscast. Christie and the 15 other dogs making the trip were originally trained by Little.

Little was unavailable for comment this morning, but her husband, Don, who helps her run the Edelheim Canine Academy, said the dogs’ unique abilities make them a valuable asset in investigations of murder.

“We’ll be involved with tracking and possibly search for evidence,” Scott said this morning. “Other details will have to be worked out when we get there.”

Scott will spend more than a week in Atlanta, all on his vacation time. Like the other 15 men making the trop. Scott will be paying his own way.

“It’s strictly a volunteer effort,” said Little. “At least one of the officers took out a loan.”

The group met this morning for the ride to Georgia.

Other northwest Indiana officers going to Atlanta are Ken O’Dean, Merrillville; Rick Lamere and Keith Hesner, Crown Point; and James Hall, Cedar Lake.

Hebron police Lt. Charles Scott and his dog Christie left today for Atlanta in an attempt to help solve the 20 known murders of black children there.

Hebron police Lt. Charles Scott and his dog Christie left today for Atlanta in an attempt to help solve the 20 known murders of black children there.

March 1, 1941: Police Hear Basic Laws Of Evidence

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 1, 1941.

Police Hear Basic Laws Of Evidence


Police officers attending the sixth weekly lecture in the regional training course in traffic enforcement and public safety held at City Hall Friday afternoon heard a splendid discussion on the basic laws of evidence by Attorney William J. Davis, of Chicago, assistant manager of the Automobile Protective and Information Bureau.

About 20 police officials from Lake and Porter counties attended the meeting which was presided over by Sergeant Paul T. Beverforden, of the Indiana state police. Captain H.L. Hubbell, in charge of the U.S. soldiers taking training at the Dodge Radio and Wireless Institute, was a guest. Sergeant Beverforden will lead the discussion next Friday on “Public Relations.”

Must Know Law

“It is essential that police in investigating traffic accidents or other crimes know the law of evidence,” Attorney Davis said. “They must know what is admissible and what is not; how to collect evidence which will be admissible; what are the essential elements of crime charged; what evidence is admissible to prove these elements, and what is law and what is evidence.”
Attorney Davis stressed the fact that written statements are valuable in keeping witnesses in line and enabling the prosecutor in getting a birdseye view of the case.

“Evidence police offer must be limited to those facts which will enable the judge or jury to determine whether the defendant is guilty or innocent,” Attorney Davis said.

Hearsay Sometimes O.K.

A confession or dying declaration does not need to be in writing to be admissible in court, the speaker said. To have a good dying declaration the man making it must know that he is going to die.

Attorney Davis said that hearsay evidence is admissible when such statements are made in the presence of the defendant. In morals cases children can tell their story to police in the presence of the defendant and police can then take the witness stand and relate the conversation which has taken place. The same rule may be applied in traffic law violations, where the complaining witness is a non-resident.

Corpus Delecti Vital

The speaker pointed out that it is always necessary to have a corpus delecti, or body of the crime, to prove that a crime has been committed and some person is responsible for the crime.

Davis mentioned that false imprisonment and malicious prosecution charges are frequently lodged against police. In most instances these are difficult to prove, he said. In a later appearance, Davis informed the officers he will discuss in detail the question of false arrest.

Feb. 15, 1941: Police Told Ways To Win Public Help

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 15, 1941.

Police Told Ways To Win Public Help

Law enforcement officers of Lake and Porter counties attending the regional training course in traffic enforcement being held at City Hall each Friday afternoon from Jan. 20 to March 28, Friday were told the ins and outs of public speaking as a vital force in selling themselves and their products to the public.

The speaker was Professor J. L. Lingo. Director, Public Safety Institute, Purdue university.

According to Prof. Lingo law enforcement officers have an important product to sellーnamely, public service. Knowing some of the basic rules of public speaking will help every officers to better express his ideas not only to large groups but in individual conversations as well, the speaker said.

Seek Public Support

A knowledge of public speaking and expression of ideas should prove valuable in raising the level of the police profession and in gaining public support for police work both, generally and individually, Prof. Lingo pointed out.

“Public speaking is an expression of ideas, and the manner in which you put over your sales idea has a great bearing on what people think of your employerーthe municipal corporation,” Prof. Lingo told the police.

Prof. Lingo explained why speeches are effective and how stage fright could be overcome. He stressed the proper and improper methods of preparing speeches; how long should be taken in preparing a speech; how a speech should be delivered; what should be included in a speech, and the importance of a good beginning and good ending in a speech.

Discusses Technique

Prof. Lingo also discussed accident investigation and the gathering of evidence at the scene to build up a case. He showed the reactions of car drivers, the braking and stopping of cars and how to tell the speed of cars after accidents by means of skid marks.

Paul T. Beverforden, sergeant, Indiana state police, of Indianapolis, assisted in the conduct of the meeting. He announced that next Friday George H. Harris, of the Public Safety Division, National Safety Council, will be in charge of the lesson dealing with the basic laws of evidence, court procedure, interviewing witnesses, statements, confessions and law of arrest.

Jan. 10, 1931: VALPARAISO IS CITY WITHOUT CRIME ’CLOUD’

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 10, 1931.

VALPARAISO IS CITY WITHOUT CRIME ’CLOUD’

At Least the Police Department Didn't Find Anything Very Exciting in 1930 to  Report About.

Crime with its hazards to life and property failed to hold its own in Valparaiso in 1930 judging by the annual report submitted to the city council Friday night by Chief of Police Robert L. Felton.

Although misdemeanors of negligible importance prevailed in the usual number, the annual survey noted a decrease in the number of persons arrested for intoxication. In former years where the number has run from twenty-eight to forty, this year's count shows but twenty-two.

However, 10 others were arrested for violation of probation laws, five for possessing liquor, two driving autos while intoxicated, one for keeping a house where liquor is sold, and two for manufacturing. 

Automobiles gave the police plenty to do during the year. A total of 142 auto accidents were reported. Four were arrested for reckless driving, four for stealing automobiles, one for not having a driver's license, 2 for running traffic lights, one for leaving the scene of an accident, three for not having a tail light, one without a license, two for running through a stop street. Thirty-two cars were reported stolen, twenty-five of which were in Valparaiso. Twenty-three of the latter were recovered. Seven autos were towed to garages.

Other arrests included: Assault, 8; fugitive warrant, 3; petit larceny, 4; non-support, 1; playing ball in street, 2.

Thirty-four cases of property lost were reported, in which recovery was made in twenty-seven, the value of the property recovered being 31,800.

Police in their rounds found 153 doors of business establishments open; answered sixty-eight fire calls, made 1,427 investigations, answered 578 calls, cared for forty-three dogs, picked up four runaway boys, found twenty children reported lost and received seventy complaints. The city jail housed 1,218 wayfarers and a total of 902 lights were reported out.

Chief Felton reported three police traveling beats at night and two days. Allie's traveled after midnight and residential districts traveled in car averaging about 14 miles. All-important correspondence is duplicated and placed on file for future reference. The officer is in the office at all times and may be reached by telephoning 92. The chief is subject to call at all times.

Oct. 17, 1935: POLICE RADIO FUND APPEAL GETS SUPPORT

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on October 17, 1935.

POLICE RADIO FUND APPEAL GETS SUPPORT

Valparaiso business men and other citizens Wednesday showed their appreciation of the fine work being done by Chief of Police Freeman Lane and members of the police department when they responded to the department’s appeal for funds to buy two police radios.

With donations still coming in, it is expected sufficient funds will be received to pay for two radios and also create a fund for their maintenance.

Not one turndown was recorded yesterday by the solicitors. In fact every person to whom the matter was broached was more than willing to subscribe, and in many instances the solicitor was told to return again if the fund quota was not reached.

Chief of Police Lane was a happy man today over the result of the donations. Because of other drives in progress, the police did not hope to raise a large sum, and expected that benefits would have to be resorted to to raise the needed amount.

It was stated by Chief Lane that the two radios, for which orders were sent in today, will be used only for police radio calls. The fact that they are of the low wave type precludes their use for commercial programs.

Sheriff Neil Fry today announced that he had ordered two radios, one for the county jail, and the other for the sheriff’s car. The county commissioners recently approved an appropriation of $100 for this purpose.

Simultaneously, with the purchase of radio equipment by the city and county, came a report that the broadcasting station of the state police located at Culver, Ind., may be moved to either Kouts or Valparaiso.

Because of the large amount of police work in this section it is said the station could be operated to better advantage in this vicinity than at Culver.