5 Major Updates: Inside The La Porte Police Department’s 2025 Leadership Shift And Technology Overhaul

The La Porte Police Department is currently undergoing a significant period of transformation and modernization, marked by a major leadership change and the adoption of new law enforcement technology. As of late December 2025, the department—which serves two distinct communities in Indiana and Texas—has been at the forefront of several high-profile incidents and community initiatives, signaling a renewed commitment to transparency and public safety.

This comprehensive overview details the most critical, up-to-the-minute developments, from a new Chief of Police in La Porte, Indiana, to a major body camera upgrade in La Porte, Texas, ensuring you have the freshest information on the department's operations, community engagement, and recent law enforcement activities.

The 2025 Leadership Transition and High-Profile Case Updates (La Porte, IN)

The City of La Porte, Indiana, has seen a pivotal shift in its law enforcement leadership, a change that has set the tone for the department’s operational focus in 2025. This transition highlights the city's commitment to promoting experienced veterans from within its ranks.

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New Chief of Police: Matthew Drangmeister

On January 12, 2025, Mayor Tom Dermody officially swore in Matthew Drangmeister as the new Chief of Police for the City of La Porte Police Department (LPPD) in Indiana. This appointment followed the resignation of former Chief Dick Buell, who had served the department for just over a year. Chief Drangmeister is a 17-year veteran of the La Porte Police Department, bringing a deep institutional knowledge and commitment to the community.

The leadership change comes at a time when the La Porte County area is managing a reported rise in call volumes and an increase in crash reports, which has placed a spotlight on the need for effective staffing and community outreach plans.

Recent Major Incident Responses

The LPPD in Indiana has been highly active in responding to and investigating significant incidents throughout 2025. These events underscore the critical nature of the department’s daily operations:

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• Homicide Investigation Arrest: In a major development, the department made an arrest in a homicide investigation following an incident on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
• Bomb Threat Response: The department was called to respond to multiple bomb threats on the evening of September 13, 2025, requiring rapid deployment and coordination to ensure public safety.
• High-Speed Chase: LaPorte County police were involved in a chase on December 11, 2025, which ended with a vehicle crashing into a fence at the LaPorte County Highway Department before the suspect was taken into custody.
• Public Assistance Requests: LPPD frequently requested the public's help in locating suspects involved in various investigations, including a specific request posted on September 18, 2025.

The Future of Policing: Technology, Training, and Transparency (La Porte, TX)

In a parallel effort to modernize and enhance accountability, the La Porte Police Department in Texas (LPPD-TX) has made significant strides in adopting new technologies and prioritizing advanced training for its leadership and officers. This focus on technological integration is a key component of their long-term strategy.

Major Technology Upgrade: BodyWorn™ Cameras

To keep pace with the integration of new technologies and to bolster transparency, the La Porte, Texas, City Council approved a contract to upgrade the department’s surveillance equipment. The department has fully implemented a new system of body and dash cameras, equipping approximately 80 uniformed officers with the cutting-edge BodyWorn™ technology. This system is part of a national trend toward increasing accountability and providing a clearer record of police-citizen interactions.

The LPPD-TX believes this upgrade will create a "new legacy of transparency" and is a vital step in maintaining community trust. Furthermore, the department has been working to expand its online information hub, utilizing GIS technology to make city data and service connections more accessible to residents.

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Advanced Leadership and Officer Wellness

The Texas department’s leadership is also focused on professional development. Chief Scott Pullig, a long-time member of the department, completed the prestigious LEMIT Leaders program, a testament to the department's investment in transformational leadership principles. Beyond external training, the LPPD-TX has also prioritized internal wellness, offering a one-day financial planning and awareness class for its employees in a recent effort to promote officer well-being.

The department also actively participates in major safety initiatives, including partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on Impaired Driving enforcement initiatives to keep roadways safe for the community.

Deepening Community Roots: Key Engagement Programs

Both La Porte Police Departments place a high value on fostering strong relationships with the citizens they serve, utilizing several key community awareness programs and outreach initiatives to build trust and teamwork.

The Citizen's Police Academy

A cornerstone of the LPPD's community awareness efforts is the Citizen's Police Academy. This program is designed to educate residents on the various facets of police work, with 15 different areas of the department involved in the curriculum. By offering this immersive experience, the department seeks to foster better understanding and collaboration between law enforcement and the public. The main objective of the Citizen's Volunteer Program, which works alongside the academy, is to foster teamwork between the department and the citizens they serve.

Youth and Neighborhood Outreach

Recognizing the importance of engaging the next generation, the La Porte Police Department offers a Youth Explorer Program. This initiative is available for young adults aged 14 to 20 who are interested in a career in law enforcement, providing them with valuable experience and mentorship. Additionally, the La Porte, TX, department has a new Police Neighborhood Center up and running, which serves as a dedicated hub for community outreach initiatives and support services.

Safety and Proactive Policing

In Indiana, the LPPD is actively partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase holiday patrols. This proactive measure is part of a broader effort to promote road safety as Hoosiers prepare for holiday celebrations. Through these varied programs—from traffic enforcement to child safety seat inspections—the La Porte Police Department continues to work towards the safety and wellness of its citizens.