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PORTER COUNTY: Force veteran to
fill detective bureau vacancy BY KEN KOSKY
Mike Jenkins
Steve Lawrence
Jenkins
said he always enjoyed his work at The man who led the Porter County
Sheriff's Department detective bureau as it solved several high profile cases in
recent years is leaving to become director of security for Horseshoe Casino in
Hammond.
Mike Jenkins, 46, said the casino was looking for someone with a background in
police work, investigations and administration. In his 25 years with the
Sheriff's Department, Jenkins supervised both patrol officers and detectives,
and also served as an undercover narcotics officer and an accident
reconstructionist. the
Sheriff's Department, but couldn't pass up the career opportunity. In addition
to the chance to do better financially -- being able to collect a police pension
and his new salary -- he will also have a chance for career advancement at the
company's 50 other properties. In his role with Horseshoe in Hammond, Jenkins
will oversee 250 people from several departments, enforce gaming rules and
oversee investigations.
Jenkins said the case that stands out most from his police career was the Aug.
27, 2002, robbery at First State Bank of Porter in The Pines. The crime left
tellers Kay Peckat and Chandler Simpson dead, and security guard Keith Hill
paralyzed. Jenkins was the first person on the scene, and the case ended
recently with the triggerman being found guilty. Under Jenkins' leadership, the
detectives have solved several high profiles crimes, including two burglaries in
which large numbers of guns were stolen.
Taking over as commander of the Porter County Sheriff's Department detective
bureau is Lt. Steve Lawrence, a 13-year veteran with experience supervising road
officers and smoothing the transition to the new police building.
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