The heat is being turned up on code violators and drug dealers in LaPorte.  Chief Paul Brettin says officers suspecting drugs are in a vehicle, for example, are not turning the other cheek.

 

They’re getting search warrants to confirm their suspicions and if drugs are found they’re not

making it onto the streets. Brettin was among the speakers at the mayor’s business roundtable last night.

 

Police say the department will be allowing the public to once again come inside

without having to be buzzed in. The city of La Porte is targeting not just unsightly properties but places where police are constantly called because of crime and other forms of a nuisance.

Code enforcement director Jeff Batchelor also speaking at the roundtable says a code violator’s fines start at 150 dollars.

 

However, the fine goes up when police officers have to respond.  Batchelor also spoke at the mayor’s business roundtable last night.  He says 464 code violation citations were issued last month alone. Mayor Tom Dermody said business roundtables will be held quarterly to keep open a line of communication with merchants.