Gary police will soon patrol the streets in a new fleet of high-tech squad cars, thanks to a $3 million investment in partnership with Hard Rock Casino designed to boost public safety and community service.
“This investment marks a major step towards strengthening public safety and ensures giving our officers the modern tools and technology they need to respond faster and work more efficiently,” Mayor Eddie Melton said Tuesday.
Melton pointed to the number of calls the department receives, as well as an 8% increase in extra patrols and wellness checks. According to the Gary Police Department, officers have responded to more than 38,000 service calls in the first six months of the year.
This is part of a multiyear plan agreement between the city of Gary and Hard Rock, ultimately resulting in 83 new squad cars for the police department.
For 2025, Hard Rock will contribute $1 million, with the city providing $500,000, for a total of $1.5 million to procure 23 new vehicles. From 2026 to 2029, Hard Rock will commit $500,000 annually, with the city matching that amount each year, totaling $1 million to buy 15 police vehicles a year.
Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon said vehicles are typically rotated out every five years, or around 100,000 miles. He emphasized the importance of not relying on vehicles with 200,000 miles in emergency situations and stressed the need for a sustainable plan to replace aging vehicles, and ensure reliability and preparedness.
“I want to use them as an example of what a private-public partnership really looks like, and how that affects the community,” Cannon said. “This will really provide sustainability in how we conduct our efforts as far as combating crime here — not only combating crime, but just assisting the citizens.”
On Tuesday, the department showcased a 2025 Ford Interceptor, which Cannon said will feature the same technology used in the real-time crime center. Officers will be able to access the system as soon as they enter the vehicle, enhancing their ability to respond and stay connected.
“Since we’ve opened our doors, the GPD has been here to ensure we stay safe every step of the way,” said Matt Schuffert, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s president. “It’s the least Hard Rock can do to make sure these officers are equipped with the modern resources they need.”
This investment comes after Gary police reported progress in reducing crime. In the first half of 2025, homicides fell by more than 50% compared to the same period last year, while non-fatal shootings dropped 26%, according to the police department.
