It is our hope that you will find this site interesting and informative. As an elected official, I view myself as a steward of this esteemed office, and I am committed to upholding the sacred trust the citizens of Lake County Indiana have placed in me. We are all fortunate to be a part of a community that is strengthened by strong values and enriched through natural and cultural diversity.

Our mission at the Lake County Sheriff's Department is to enhance the quality of life in Lake County by serving and protecting our community through excellent law enforcement services. We are proud of the services we provide and equally proud of the confidence the public has in us and our capabilities. Together we will make a difference, and in so doing preserve the quality of life we all enjoy, not only for ourselves, but for future generations as well.

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TAX DEBT FRAUD INVESTIGATION

I’d like to make the public aware of letters allegedly being sent to Lake County property or business owners demanding immediate payment of tax debt.  The letters feature the heading “Distraint Warrant”, which is a legal term related to a government agency’s power to ensure payment of delinquent taxes.  In the letters, the sender gives a phone number to call if debtors want to avoid collection action including “…garnishment of wages and bank accounts”.  The sender is listed as “Tax Resolution Unit Lake County Public Judgement Records”. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department Civil Division has received a few complaints from recipients of the letters. 

-Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.  Click for more info...

TEXT ANONYMOUS TIPS TO THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. is launching new technology platforms to assist the citizens of Lake County.  It’s part of an integrated plan to enhance the sharing of intelligence with all law enforcement agencies throughout the county.  Tip411 allows the public to share non-emergency public safety information anonymously with our officers by sending a secure text message.  Officers will be able to respond, creating a two-way conversation.   The tips are received in real-time and can be responded to in seconds.

Anyone with a cell phone may send an anonymous tip to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by texting the keyword LCSO and the tip to 847411.  Tips can also be submitted through the Lake County Sheriff’s Department mobile app, which will redirect to Tip411.  Click for more info...

RETIREE QUALIFICATIONS

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting Retiree Qualifications (HR218/SB1132 “Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act” qualifications) on the first Wednesday of every month.  The qualifications will be conducted from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on the indoor range at the Lake County Sheriff’s Department 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN.  Appointments and approval are required for any individual who is not retired from the Lake County Sheriff's Department.  To schedule a time please contact the Training Division at (219)755-3416 or [email protected].  Appointments must be scheduled at least 2 weeks prior to qualification day.

You will need to have a minimum of 30 rounds of ammunition for each weapon you qualify with.  This ammo MUST BE factory new TMJ (total metal jacket) or lead-free ammo.  No reloads, no FMJ (full metal jacket), or armor piercing ammo.  Also, due to Covid-19, you will need your own eye protection, ear protection, a holster for each weapon, and magazine pouches for extra ammo.  You can view the course of fire here Course of Fire.  The fee for completing the qualification is $5.00.  Once completed you will need to pay the fee with the B of I, then report to the County’s Physical Security Office to obtain an ID.