(Michigan City, IN) - The Michigan City Police Department has eight new police officers.

 

During a Monday swearing-in ceremony, Police Chief Dion Campbell announced that many officers at one time would bolster what's been a short-staffed department the past few years.

 

“This is a day that we are marking with these new hires as a day when we begin building,” Campbell said.

The number of officers at the department had dropped from more than 90 several years ago to just over 70 before the new hires.

 

Campbell said the nationwide workforce struggles for police departments began when public sentiment turned dramatically against law enforcement following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota.

 

The officer responsible for his death is now serving time in prison.

 

Campbell said interest in remaining and becoming a police officer was also negatively impacted by the "Defund the Police" movement resulting from Floyd's death and subsequent rise in crime. However, he believes public sentiment is beginning to swing back in favor of the police because of the need to address increased crime.

 

“When everyone else is leaving from this profession, here are eight young adults who have made the decision to deal with the issues, and for that, they should be applauded,” Campbell said.