(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Police Department has been hit hard by officers leaving for higher pay.

 

During this week’s city council meeting, former Police Chief Gene Simmons reported the department once had over 100 officers. Currently, there are over 70 officers, said Police Chief Dion Campbell.

 

Simmons, who retired as police chief in 2004 after more than 30-years on the department, said the city council could help prevent officers from leaving for higher pay elsewhere by increasing their salaries.

 

“We just lost two officers to Chesterton. Those things we need to correct. We do that by increasing the pay,” Simmons said.

Simmons is now a member of the city council.

 

“The chief is building the right atmosphere at the department, and we just need to assist them, partner up, and do our share,” Simmons said.

Simmons added police departments in surrounding areas offering much greater pay are actively recruiting officers from Michigan City.

 

Campbell said one of his goals is adding more officers, allowing police to have more presence on the streets and work community policing which is proven to work in lowering crime.