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Governor Eric J. Holcomb
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Safety Tips & FAQs

In Your Home

  • Install good locks on all doors and windows. Doors should have deadbolt locks. Check to ensure that all doors and first level windows are securely locked at night. Also, a rod or stick that fits snugly in the track of your windows or sliding glass doors will greatly increase window and door security. Also, chain locks do not keep out intruders. They allow you to open the door slightly to see the visitor but can easily be broken by a sudden push against the door. Instead, install peepholes in all doors.
  • Leave outdoor lights illuminated even after you retire to bed. Also, motion sensor lights are inexpensive, easy to install, and effective in helping to scare away prowlers. Criminals tend to avoid well-lit places. Activate alarm systems when you are sleeping or away from home.
  • Remove all obstructions, such as shrubbery, that block the view of your windows and doors. Make sure that windows are equipped with blinds or drapes, and keep them closed at night, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Keep an inventory of your valuables and electronic equipment so you will know immediately if something is missing. Include photographs of jewels and serial numbers of other costly items. Etch your Social Security Number on items, when possible.
  • Don’t give away unnecessary information to strangers over the telephone including, your name, address, marital status, or when you will be home. Require identification of salesmen, repairmen and other strangers who come to your door, before you let them inside.
  • Finally, be a good neighbor and report suspicious persons in the neighborhood to the police. Be sure to get a description of the person and a license plate of any vehicle used.

In Your Car

  • Always lock your car and carry your keys with you. Don’t keep an extra key “hidden” anywhere on the car, thieves know where to look.
  • When away from the car keep all valuables in your trunk, not in view.
  • Don’t pick up hitchhikers, and don’t be one yourself.
  • Park your car only in well lighted lots, as close to traveled areas as possible.
  • When leaving a building to go to your car, have your keys ready to use and walk with others whenever possible. Check to make sure that your car is empty before you get into it, and lock your doors once inside.
  • If you think that you are being followed, drive to a nearby well-lit and busy business establishment or other public place to call the police. If you can’t get out of your car, honk the horn to attract attention.
  • If you have car trouble, stay in your car and lock yourself in. If another motorist stops to offer help, roll down your window slightly and ask him to call the police or a tow truck for you. Don’t get out of the car until identified help arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

    Accident reports may be obtained in person Monday thru Friday 10 am to 4 pm at:

    Police HeadquartersSouthport Municipal Complex
    137 Worman Street
    Southport, Indiana 46227

    Please allow 48 hours after the date of the crash for the report to be available.

    There is a fee of $25 for the crash report.

  • How do I obtain a copy of an incident report?

    Incident reports may be obtained in person Monday thru Friday 10 am to 4 pm at:

    Police Headquarters
    Southport Municipal Complex
    137 Worman Street
    Southport, Indiana 46227

    Please allow 48 hours after the date of the incident for the report to be available.

    There is a fee of $25 for the incident report.

  • How do I get a gun permit?

    An applicant who resides within the municipal corporate limits of Southport desiring to obtain or renew a license to carry a handgun must apply to City of Southport Police Department.

    • Pre-permit conditions and restrictions apply prior to applying for a handgun license. [IC 35-47-2]
    • Applicants residency must be within the municipal corporate limits;
    • Schedule an appointment with the Southport Police Department by calling 317-787-7595 Monday thru Friday 10am to 4pm;
    • Bring two (2) money orders; no cash or personal checks accepted.

    Refer to the fee table below for the type of license. First money order (application fee) payable to the "Southport Police Training Fund," the second money order (license fee) make payable to the State of Indiana.

    • New or Renew 4 Year Personal Protection License: $10 - Southport Police Department, $30 - Indiana State Police = $40 Total
    • New or Renew 4 Year Hunting & Target License: $10 - Southport Police Department, $5 - Indiana State Police = $15 Total
    • Lifetime Personal Protection License (If you already have a 4 year personal protection license: $40 - Southport Police Department, $20 - Indiana State Police = $60 Total

    Fingerprinting will be required to complete the form. The applicant is responsible for forwarding all material with money order to the Indiana State Police and it may take 4 to 6 business weeks to receive a license (new or renewal).