Uniform Patrol Division
The Uniform Patrol Division is the largest division in the Mishawaka Police Department. Uniform Patrol is generally acknowledged to be the backbone of the Police Department and the division that is most judged by its performance. Patrols are provided 24/7.
The hours of operation and staffing are as follows:
- Day Shift: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Night Shift: 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Uniform Division is led by Assistant Chief Craig Nowacki.
Detective Bureau
The Detective Bureau is comprised of detectives who are tasked with the investigation of crimes that occur in Mishawaka and St. Joseph County. The Detective Bureau has four subdivisions:
- Street Crimes Unit
- Special Victims Unit
- Major Crimes Unit
- Cold Case Homicide Unit
All criminal cases filed through the Mishawaka Police Department are referred to the Detective Bureau, where they are reviewed and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Residents with information on crimes can call the Detective Bureau at (574) 258-1684 or submit an anonymous tip online.
They can also contact Michiana Crime Stoppers at (574) 288- STOP or (800) 342-STOP.
Detective Bureau Division is led by Assistant Chief Timothy Wiley.
Traffic Division
The Traffic Division is the lead investigator for crashes involving serious traffic injuries and fatalities. Its officers investigate all hit and run crashes, conduct investigations into all traffic matters that require follow-up and review all traffic investigations conducted by the Uniform Division.
The Traffic Division has additional responsibilities as well. It acts as liaison for the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office on all driving-related cases submitted by the Mishawaka Police Department and administers the Electronic Vehicle Crash Reporting System.
VIN checks:
- $5 per vehicle
- Obtained in Mishawaka Police Department Records Division
- Documentation is presented to an officer for vehicle inspection and certification
- Vehicle must be present at the police department or within the Mishawaka City Limits.
Community Relations Unit
The Community Relations Unit’s duties and responsibilities include assisting neighborhood watch groups with their concerns, make citizen contacts to determine crime problems within their area and developing an innovative response or referral for resolution of the problem. The Community Relations Unit works closely with the Street Crime Unit and the Office of the Chief of Police.
Community Relations Supervisor:
Lt. Bruce Faltynski
Phone: (574) 258-1678
Fax: (574) 258-1690
Records and Services Division
The Records and Services Division of the Mishawaka Police Department retains all police reports, records and issues various permits. Our staff is available during regular business hours to fulfill requests and permits in person, by phone or by email.
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Accident Reports
$5.00 per copy
Purchase online or in person
- Purchase online through the database: BuyCrash.com or Carfax.com
- Purchase in person, by email or phone from the Records Division Office
- Requests made by phone or email must be paid in full before the report is released. Payment may be submitted by credit or debit card over the phone by contacting the Records Division staff.
Phone: (574) 258-1681
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Case Reports
$5.00 per copy
$10.00 per DVD video
- Only available for purchase in-person
- Must provide a valid picture ID
- Request(s) can be fulfilled via fax or email once the fee is processed
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Firearm Permits
REQUIREMENTS
- Mishawaka Residents Only
- Must live within City limits
- Be at least 18 years of age
- No local fees
PROCESS
- Complete handgun permit application online at:
- https://www.in.gov/isp
- Firearms tab
- Questions: Call 317-232-8264).
- Then:
- Schedule an in person (L1 – digital) fingerprint appointment with IdentiGo at:(844) 321-2421 or (877-472-6917)
- Must obtain your application number and receipt number from IdentiGo as this information is required to complete the next step.
- After the digital fingerprint appointment, bring the following to the Mishawaka Police Department:
A valid picture ID
Application number
Receipt number
IF YOU FAIL TO SCHEDULE THE DIGITAL FINGERPRINT APPOINTMENT DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Go online to: www.L1enrollment.com or Call 1-877-472-6917 to schedule the appointment.
- Refer back to the steps above once the digital fingerprints have been completed.
Vin Checks
$5.00 Fee
- Must submit payment in-person
- Vehicle must be present at the time of the request or within Mishawaka City limits (3 to 4-digit address)
- An officer will inspect and certify the vehicle
- Mishawaka Police Department does not offer any salvage title services
Phone: (574) 258-1681
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Protective Orders
To file for a protective order, visit the St. Joseph County website: https://www.sjcindiana.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=220.
Local Background Checks
$10.00 Fee
- Only available for purchase in-person
- Must provide a valid picture ID
- Only for Mishawaka Police Department cases
- Not available for payment by phone or online
Phone: (574) 258-1681
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
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