Elkhart County Sheriff's Department
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Law enforcement center funding given OK
In 2009, the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department will have a new home.

County officials unanimously approved the use of cash reserves to build a 39,000-square-foot building for law enforcement and administrative functions. By the fall of next year, residents will be able to obtain public records and meet with officers at the Elkhart County Corrections Complex on C.R. 26 in Elkhart.

The $7 million building project will advance the goal of better efficiency through consolidation of sheriff's department services.

Law enforcement links
Online crime reporting

Ordinances of note
Animal control (.pdf)
Curfew (.pdf)
Fireworks (.pdf)
Mailbox damage (.pdf)
• Noise (.pdf)
Off-road vehicles (.pdf)

Crime prevention
Identity theft (.pdf)
Neighborhood watch
Self defense

Indiana law
Criminal code
Traffic code

Local law enforcement
Elkhart County prosecutor
Bristol Police Department
Elkhart Police Department
Goshen Police Department
Nappanee Police Department
Indiana State Police
Dept. of Natural Resources
CrimeStoppers
In memoriam

Sex offender registries
• Indiana
National

Statistics
2007 annual report (.pdf)
2006 annual report (.pdf)
2005 annual report (.pdf)

Traffic safety
Child restraints
• DUI enforcement
• Seat belts

Wanted lists
Local criminal
Local child support
Federal Bureau of Investigation

New fireworks ordinance in effect for 2008
The Elkhart County commissioners have enacted rules specific to the use of consumer fireworks.

Violations of the ordinance, approved in December 2007, may lead to fines of up to $500. The commissioners have included a provision allowing for permits. In terms of enforcement, the sheriff's department will treat fireworks as a separate issue, not in conflict with the county's noise ordinance.

In general, consumer fireworks consist of aerial devices (including sky rockets, spinners and shells), ground audible devices (such as firecrackers and chasers), or combinations of the two. These types of items may be used only during specific times:

• Between 10 a.m. and midnight July 4;
• From 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset between June 29 and July 9 (excluding the provisions made for the Fourth of July); and
• Between 10 a.m. Dec. 31 and 1 a.m. Jan. 1.

Items such as sparklers, smoke devices and noise makers are not included in the list of consumer fireworks.

Residents wanting to report ordinance violations may call the Public Safety Communications Center at 533-4151. Emergencies involving the use of fireworks should be reported immediately by dialing 911.

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