Congressman seeking $4.2M for Northwest Indiana police technology projects

Northwest Indiana's congressman is requesting nearly $4.2 million in federal funds to help local police departments in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties upgrade their radios to enhance communications and operations, or make other needed technology improvements.

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, has received preliminary approval for his police Community Project Funding requests, more commonly known as earmarks, that are poised to be part of the House appropriations measures that will fund the federal government during the 2027 budget year.

"I appreciate that these federal funds will further provide our Northwest Indiana first responders with the technology and equipment they need to perform their services to the best of their abilities," Mrvan said.

"I look forward to continuing to collaborate with all of the leaders and members of our Region's law enforcement departments to promote public safety and return our taxpayer dollars to Northwest Indiana through the House Appropriations Committee."

The Northwest Indiana police projects for which Mrvan has requested federal funding are:

• Radio enhancement or replacement: $772,700 for Portage Police Department; $500,000 for LaPorte Police Department; $475,000 for Highland Police Department; $300,000 for Cedar Lake Police Department; and $65,000 for Long Beach Police Department.
• Equipment and technology upgrades: $772,700 for Hammond Police Department; $500,000 for Merrillville Police Department; $250,000 for New Chicago Police Department; and $170,000 for Lake Station Police Department.
• Tactical gear upgrades: $187,000 for Gary Police Department.
• Body-worn cameras: $105,000 for Porter County Sheriff's Department.
• Accident reconstruction equipment: $80,000 for the South Lake County Crash Reconstruction Team via St. John Police Department.

The law enforcement investments, which currently are included in the FY 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations measure, have been endorsed by the House Appropriations Committee, which includes Mrvan as a member.

The funding plan must still be approved by the full House, as well as the Senate, to advance to the president to be signed into law.

Since 2021, Mrvan has secured or advanced more than $12 million in Community Project Funding requests for law enforcement agencies in Indiana's 1st Congressional District, records show.