Portland Police Department

10/13/2026

Come on out and join us for Coffee with Cops! ☕👮
A big thank you to Portland, Indiana McDonald’s for hosting us. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone, enjoying some coffee, and spending a little time with our community!

10/06/2026

Because dispatch consolidation has been discussed in public meetings, I feel an obligation to share the written position I provided to City Council and BOW members in September 2026 via city email. (Letter is dated August after receiving the draft study)

I respect Council’s role as the legislative and funding authority.
However, I am concerned about comments of discontinuing funding for Portland Police Dispatch that have been raised more than once during public Council discussions. I respect Council’s budget responsibilities, but removing funding before a workable transition plan is established could disrupt essential services and create public-safety risks. To my knowledge, no finalized plan has been established among the Council, Board of Works, and County to address those consequences. Residents deserve assurance that dispatch coverage and the other services our dispatchers provide will continue without interruption.

The executive branch has separate responsibilities for department operations, with oversight through the Board of Works and Public Safety and daily management through police administration. Each role is important to serving our community.

My position opposing the removal of Portland Police Dispatch is based on the consultant’s findings and the department's assessment of their implications for staffing, costs, and public service.

I am sharing the letter so residents can read the information, concerns, and recommendations already provided to Council and understand the basis for my position that was made public in last night's meeting.

Dustin Mock
Chief of Police

09/26/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On September 25, 2026 at approximately 4:53 p.m. Portland Police Department officers responded to a residence on Meadow Lane after receiving a report of a male outside the residence armed with a handgun who had discharged the fi***rm before returning inside.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with the male, later identified as Michael A. Grody, and directed him to come out of the residence. During the encounter, officers deployed a less-lethal Taser device before Grody was taken into custody.

While clearing the residence, Portland Police officers located a 14-year-old male juvenile who had suffered a gunshot wound. First responders immediately initiated life-saving measures. Despite those efforts, the juvenile later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Grody was transported by the Portland Police Department to the Jay County Security Center, where he was booked on multiple preliminary charges, including murder.

Members of the Jay County Sheriff’s Office assisted Portland Police officers at the scene. The Indiana State Police and Jay County Prosecutor’s Office are assisting with the investigation.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released when appropriate.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

09/26/2026

🍂 City of Portland Fall Clean-Up is Here!

It's time to clear out those larger-than-normal items. From October 5TH through 9TH, oversized items will be picked up on your regular trash collection day. No special scheduling needed, just have them out and ready.

📅 October 5TH to 9TH
🗑️ Larger items collected on your normal trash day

Please note: electronics and hazardous waste will not be picked up during Fall Clean-Up. Good news though, there's a perfect place for those items the same week (see our next post about Jay County Tox Away Day on October 10). 💛

09/15/2026

We are currently looking to hire a full-time Patrolman. We invite you to join our team. Applications are available for pick-up in person at 319 N Meridian St Portland, IN 47371, or can be accessed online at https://thecityofportland.net/police-department
Applications accepted until the positions have been filled.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

The Portland Police Department would like to thank the 5th Grade students of the Jay County Christian Academy for the poster and donuts. We appreciate the support by our local schools.

08/28/2026

Nate Chrisman had an opportunity to do a ride along with Officer Brewster. He had an opportunity to look at booking at the Jay County Sheriff’s Office, 911 dispatch and Portland Police dispatch.

He is exact words “I had an awesome time” and can’t wait to do it again.

08/26/2026

I want to clear up some inaccurate statements about traffic control during the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Show.

There were pictures in a post that appeared on social media probably taken Monday, not today. The show officially started today. Those pictures do not show what officers were doing today or what traffic looked like throughout the day.

The Assistant Chief, other officers, and I all monitored U.S. 27 and County Road 100 North, the Votaw Street entrance, and other areas of the city. Much of the morning was spent directing traffic at the fairgrounds entrance on Votaw St, where the biggest problem was occurring.

Traffic at U.S. 27 and County Road 100 North was not heavily congested for much of the day. Later this afternoon, when traffic became heavy leaving the fairgrounds, the Assistant Chief, two other officers, and I were standing in the intersection directing traffic. Those moments were not photographed or mentioned. Of course.

I've heard comments that Officers “sit at the tables and do nothing” is simply not true. Officers watch traffic and step into the busy intersection when it is needed. Stopping traffic when it is not necessary can make congestion worse and create more danger.

We normally staff that intersection during the busiest times on Friday and Saturday, as we have throughout my career. We also respond at other times when traffic conditions require it, just as we did today.

Our officers must also answer calls and handle problems throughout Portland. The number of people and vehicles in town increases during this event, but our staffing does not!

I am proud of the work being done by our officers, fairgrounds staff, and everyone helping make this event successful. Constructive concerns are welcome, but old pictures and one-sided comments do not tell the full story. Please be patient, drive carefully, and recognize the people working hard to keep everyone safe.
-Chief Mock

08/16/2026

PORTLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT, INCIDENT UPDATE

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, Portland Police Officers attempted to stop a vehicle after observing driving behavior that raised concerns for public safety. The driver failed to stop and led officers on a vehicle pursuit through portions of Portland and into the surrounding area.

During the pursuit, the driver allegedly continued to disregard Officers’ emergency lights and sirens and operated the vehicle in a manner that placed responding Officers, other motorists, and the public at significant risk. The pursuit ultimately ended after the vehicle left the roadway, and the driver was taken into custody.

Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in this incident. The investigation remains ongoing, including the completion of appropriate testing and review of the incident.

The Portland Police Department would like to recognize the professionalism and good work of the Officers involved and thank the Jay County Sheriff’s Office Deputies who assisted during the incident.

Fortunately, a dangerous situation was brought to a conclusion without more serious consequences.

Any criminal charges associated with this incident are allegations only. All persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.