Police: Be on the lookout for air conditioner thefts

EAST CHICAGO | A string of air conditioner thefts that occurred in the city in late March and early this month does not represent a new trend, according to East Chicago Police Chief Mark Becker.

East Chicago to expand police presence in the city

EAST CHICAGO | The City Council on Monday unanimously approved the transfer of appropriations in the amount of $150,000 to pay for overtime in the Police Department.

RICH JAMES: Not everyone defines ethics the same way

Given the time I've spent covering public corruption trials, you’d think I could easily define ethics.

ECPD looks to IU Northwest experts to help build more efficient department

EAST CHICAGO | Access to university data analysis software and expertise to enable more proactive policing

Voices of Vision: Mark Becker

In 2012, East Chicago crime rates were considerably lower. Police Chief Mark Becker credits his dedicated officers, collaborating with community organizations and businesses and other police partnerships to have an impact on the city.

Law enforcement, public must work together

So what is law enforcement in the region facing this year? Well, drugs, gangs and increased senseless violence come to mind.

EDITORIAL: Follow East Chicago's lead on violent crime

East Chicago is a city long plagued by crime, political corruption and betrayal of public trust by some past mayors and other city officials. So when decisions are made by a contemporary administration that improve conditions and residents' lives in the city, it's worth heralding.

Mark Becker

Mark Becker is East Chicago's police chief.

EDITORIAL: Citizen involvement is vital crime-fighting tool

Shoppers who witnessed Saturday's shooting at Westfield Southlake mall in Hobart might not realize how aggressively Northwest Indiana police are working to keep down the crime rate.

Gang members indicted, arrested

Local and federal law enforcement officials announced several indictments and arrests of members of the Imperial Gangsters.

Indicted elected officials face uncertain futures

An East Chicago public official faces a police internal affairs investigation, and council members from Hammond and Gary face possible removal from office in the wake of federal indictments announced this week.

DOUG ROSS: Illegal immigrants' help needed to fight crime

As much as I try to connect the dots on major issues, sometimes those dots seem to connect themselves. That has been happening on illegal immigration lately.

East Chicago police rank well in independent review

EAST CHICAGO | Most city police activities follow accepted professional standards, according to an independent review released Monday, but training of officers and engagement with the community should be improved.

Becker: E.C. police focused on combatting gang influence

EAST CHICAGO | For generations, politics dominated every aspect of city government, but Police Chief Mark Becker says that era is over.

Hammmond police help equip East Chicago cops with Tasers

EAST CHICAGO | Patrol officers here should soon have an additional — and nonlethal — law enforcement tool on their duty belts, thanks to police colleagues in Hammond.

Officials: Cops ganging up on bad guys

MERRILLVILLE | Northwest Indiana law enforcement officials have put a lid on recent gang violence, but are still trying to figure out who's stealing Hammond's manhole covers.

East Chicago officials take to streets to meet constituents

EAST CHICAGO | Some North Harbor residents and businesses got a visit from police and other authorities Wednesday, but it was a friendly visit.

E.C. Police Chief Becker and Mayor Copeland hit the Streets together

EAST CHICAGO | Chief to Police Mark J. Becker, Mayor Anthony Copeland, Councilwoman Gilda Orange, Officers and EMA officers took to the streets to meet with local business and residents in the North Harbor area on April 25.

Lake police, E.C. conduct gang sweep

EAST CHICAGO | Lake County gang and narcotics investigators swept 39 people from the streets of this city last week in the wake of two young girls being wounded in a gang-related shooting.