5 Major Changes Rocking The Hammond Police Department (HPD) Right Now: New Chief, New Initiatives, And 2024 Crime Stats

The Hammond Police Department (HPD) is currently undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a major leadership change and the launch of innovative, community-centric programs designed to redefine public safety in Lake County, Indiana. As of December 16, 2025, the department is operating under a new command structure while actively implementing fresh strategies to combat the city's persistent crime challenges and foster stronger community partnerships, moving toward its stated goal of becoming the exemplary law enforcement agency in Indiana.

This deep dive into the HPD reveals the new face of law enforcement in Hammond, spotlighting the recent appointment of Chief Jeffery Long, the roll-out of crucial new initiatives like the "Community Care Closet" and the "Hammond BlueNET" program, and an essential breakdown of the latest crime statistics for 2024, providing a comprehensive look at the HPD’s strategic direction for the immediate future.

The New Leadership: Chief Jeffery Long and HPD's Command Staff

The most consequential recent development at the Hammond Police Department is the transition in leadership at the highest level. Following the retirement of former Chief William "Andy" Short, Assistant Chief Jeffery Long was promoted to the position of Chief of Police in a significant move by Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. The change marks a new era for the department, solidifying its commitment to experienced, local leadership.

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Chief Jeffery Long: A Brief Biography and Profile

Chief Jeffery Long brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the city of Hammond, Indiana, to his new role. His career is characterized by years of dedicated service and executive leadership within the department.

• Current Position: Chief of Police, Hammond Police Department.
• Previous Role: Served as Assistant Chief, accumulating nine years of executive leadership experience prior to his promotion.
• Military Service: Chief Long is a U.S. Army veteran.
• Community Roots: He is a lifelong resident of Hammond, Indiana, underscoring his personal investment in the community's safety and well-being.
• Predecessor: He succeeded Chief William "Andy" Short, who retired after a distinguished career that began in 1988 and included serving in numerous divisions like Patrol, K-9 Handler, and Bike Patrol. Chief Short was also notably the department's first African American Assistant Chief.
• Vision: Long’s leadership is expected to continue the HPD’s focus on providing "expert Co-Active Services in Partnership with the Community" to enhance the quality of life for all Hammond residents.

HPD's New Era: Community-Focused Initiatives and Modern Policing

The Hammond Police Department has made significant strides in shifting its focus towards community policing and proactive public safety programs. These initiatives, many of which were launched or expanded in 2024, are central to the HPD's strategy to bridge the gap between officers and citizens, offering more than just traditional law enforcement services.

The Groundbreaking "Community Care Closet"

In May 2024, the Hammond Police Department proudly announced the launch of the "Community Care Closet." This innovative initiative is a direct response to the immediate needs of the community, aiming to provide essential support to residents who are facing various hardships.

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• Purpose: To offer essential items—such as toiletries, non-perishable food, and basic household necessities—to those in need.
• Impact: It positions the HPD not just as an enforcement body, but as a vital social resource, allowing officers to address root causes of distress and build trust during non-emergency interactions.

Hammond BlueNET: A Digital Partnership for Public Safety

Another key initiative is the rollout of the Hammond BlueNET public safety program. This program leverages technology and community involvement to enhance local security.

BlueNET is designed to enable the people of Hammond to directly contribute to keeping their community safe. It works by creating a network where citizens can share information and partner with investigators from the Hammond Police Department, creating a co-active environment where public safety is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the residents they serve.

Citizen Police Academy and Ongoing Training

To deepen community understanding of police operations, the HPD regularly hosts the Citizen Police Academy. This is an intensive 8-week program that provides residents with an in-depth look at the daily duties, training, and challenges faced by Hammond police officers. Furthermore, the department remains committed to equipping its officers with the best resources, as evidenced by a recent resolution to utilize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership to purchase new and replacement body armor, ensuring officer safety remains a top priority.

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Understanding Crime and Safety in Hammond, Indiana (2024 Data)

A comprehensive understanding of the Hammond Police Department's role requires an analysis of the local crime landscape. Recent data indicates that the HPD is operating in an environment with significant public safety challenges, which underscores the importance of their new community initiatives.

Key Crime Statistics and Trends

Based on recent data, the crime rate in Hammond, Indiana, remains a critical area of focus for the HPD and city officials.

• Overall Crime Rate: Hammond's crime rates are approximately 72.85% higher than the national average, with a total of 4,017 crimes per 100,000 people.
• Property Crime Risk: The risk of being a victim of property crime in Hammond is notably high, standing at 1 in 30.
• Recent Homicide Data (2024): In 2024, the city recorded 13 homicides, according to the Lake County coroner's office, highlighting the ongoing efforts required by the HPD's Criminal Investigations Division.
• Property Crime Volume (2024): The city recorded approximately 2,330 property crimes in 2024.
• Five-Year Trend: Between 2019 and 2024, the city recorded 8,763 violent crimes and 12,754 property crimes, averaging a violent crime rate of 171.1 per 100,000 residents.

These statistics illustrate the demanding environment in which the Hammond Police Department operates. The department's commitment to becoming the "exemplary Law Enforcement Agency in Indiana" is directly tied to its ability to manage these figures while simultaneously implementing community-building strategies like the Community Care Closet and BlueNET.

Organizational Structure and Key Divisions of the HPD

The Hammond Police Department is structured into several key divisions, each playing a crucial role in maintaining order and providing comprehensive public safety services across the city. While the exact, most recent organizational chart is not publicly detailed, the department typically adheres to a standard structure that includes specialized units necessary for a city of Hammond's size and complexity.

• Administration: Overseen by the Chief of Police, this division manages policy, budget, human resources, and internal affairs, ensuring the entire department operates efficiently and ethically.
• Patrol Division: The largest and most visible division, responsible for 24/7 emergency response, traffic enforcement, and community presence. Units often include Patrol Officers, Field Training Officers (FTOs), and specialized units like Bike Patrol.
• Criminal Investigations Division (CID): Tasked with solving major crimes, including homicides, robberies, and property crimes. Detectives in the CID conduct follow-up investigations, gather evidence, and prepare cases for the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.
• Special Operations/Tactical Units: These may include Narcotics, K-9 Units, and SWAT, focusing on specialized enforcement, drug interdiction, and high-risk situations.
• Community Services/Outreach: This division manages programs like the Citizen Police Academy and is key to the success of new initiatives such as the Community Care Closet and Hammond BlueNET, focusing on crime prevention and public education.

The transition to Chief Jeffery Long's leadership marks a pivotal moment for the Hammond Police Department. By combining a data-driven approach to tackling the city's crime challenges with a renewed emphasis on "Co-Active Services in Partnership" through innovative programs, the HPD is actively working to create a safer, more connected community for all residents of Hammond, Indiana.