Marty Corley appointed as Michigan City Police Chief

MICHIGAN CITY — Michigan City Mayor-elect Angie Nelson Deuitch has appointed Marty Corley to serve as the Michigan City Police Chief beginning Jan. 1.

"Public safety is a priority for our community and our neighborhoods," said Deuitch, Michigan City's first African American mayor. "Having safe, stable neighborhoods creates a sense of community pride and we're trying to bring people together."

Deuitch, a Democrat, wanted to make her appointment soon after winning the mayoral election because public safety is one of her top priorities, she said. Corley is a 23-year veteran of the Michigan City Police Department who has been the assistant chief of operations since 2021.

"The ultimate goal is to have adequate staffing on the uniform patrol shifts and provide additional staff in the investigative division, including the detective bureau and LaPorte County Drug Taskforce," Corley said.

Prior to serving as assistant chief of operations, Corley served on the department's SWAT team for 18 years: 12 years in the investigative division, seven years in the uniform patrol division, and more than ten years as a drug recognition expert and Indiana law enforcement certified instructor, the mayor's office said.

Additionally, Corley wants to staff more officers in specialty units focusing on proactive and community-oriented policing.

"The Michigan City Police Department will aggressively pursue all opportunities to break down the barriers of police and citizens working together," Corley said.

Steve Forker, who has been the police chief since Oct. 2022, will trade positions with Corley, taking over the role of assistant chief of operations. Forker said himself, Corley and Assistant Chief of Services Dave Cooney, will continue operating as a cohesive team by prioritizing the department's and the community's needs.

Forker has been with MCPD for 18 years. His previous positions within the department include: patrol officer, field training officer, SWAT team member, general investigator, school resource officer and commander of the Division of Professional Standards.

Cooney, who has been with MCPD for 17 years, will continue to provide support in managing the department's finances. Moving into the new year, his top priority will be to continue education for all officers and supervisors, he said. 

"I'm excited to keep the complement of Marty Corley, Steve Forker and Dave Cooney, who will continue implementing programs and public safety measures together as a team," Deuitch said.