Gary, Indiana – September 30, 2025 – The Gary Police Department today announced the successful conclusion of its four-year partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance through the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), a program designed to help communities address violent crime with evidence-based strategies and federal resources.

PSP helped the police department drive down violent crime - homicides declined 23 percent and nonfatal shootings dropped 10 percent in 2024 compared to the prior year. The department also achieved a 77 percent homicide closure rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 58 percent. The positive action in 2024 was significant in the Gary Police Department being awarded a one-year extension on its three-year commitment, for a total of four years of partnership.

“PSP has provided the Gary Police Department with the tools, training, and partnerships needed to build a smarter, data-driven approach to policing,” said Chief of Police Derrick Cannon. “Our officers now have access to state-of-the-art technology and stronger investigative resources, which are helping us make our community safer and restore trust.”

Building Capacity Through Technology and Training

A cornerstone of Gary’s PSP participation was the creation of its Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which opened in November 2023 with more than $1 million in new technology investments. This includes license plate readers, stationary video surveillance, integration with officer body-worn cameras, and partnerships with local businesses to incorporate private surveillance feeds.

The RTCC enables officers and analysts to monitor incidents in real time, track suspects more effectively, and coordinate emergency responses. Beyond crime fighting, it serves as a hub for disaster response and large-scale public safety events.

The PSP also helped Gary strengthen its crime analysis capacity. Through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Crime Analyst in Residence (CAR) program, the Gary police staff received training in advanced data analysis, mapping, and case review practices. This expertise now supports more targeted enforcement and prosecution strategies.

Partnerships Driving Results

Since Gary joined PSP in 2021, the department has strengthened its partnerships with a wide range of federal, state, and local agencies, including the ATF, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Indiana State Police, Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Weekly homicide and shooting review meetings—expanded in 2024—brought these partners together to align investigations and strengthen case outcomes.

“These partnerships have been critical,” added Chief Derrick Cannon. “By coordinating across agencies and leveraging technology, we’ve improved our ability to solve crimes and prevent violence before it occurs.”

‍

‍

About the National Public Safety Partnership

The National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) is a U.S. Department of Justice program coordinated by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It provides intensive, customized training to communities facing serious challenges related to violent crime. PSP helps local law enforcement and prosecutors build capacity to reduce violent crime through data-driven strategies, federal partnerships, and community engagement. The program does not provide direct funding but leverages federal expertise and resources to support sustainable public safety improvements in participating cities.

‍

Media Contact:

City of Gary
Steve Segura, Chief Communication Officer
stsegura@gary.gov | (219) 806-6489

###

‍