Kouts Police Department

03/20/2026

On 03/19/2026 at approximately 5:25 PM the Kouts Police Department executed a search warrant in the 600 block of Kouts St in reference to a hit and run crash that occurred back in December of 2025 in front of the library.

This is an ongoing investigation and no other details are being released at this time. We wanted everyone to be aware that there is no threat to the public at this time.

01/29/2026

The Kouts Police Department is currently accepting application for the position of reserve police officer. Reserve officers are volunteer positions that work with our full-time police officers and assist them on numerous different kinds of call for service. Reserve police officers are also viewed as regular patrol officers and are allowed to do any of the regular police work that a full-time officer may do. This is to include: traffic stops, handle a call for service, and investigate crimes.

The Kouts Police Department typically hires full-time police officers from within the department and will accept an opening for full-time police officer if a reserve police officer is interested before conducting a hiring process from outside applicants first. This may also be a good way for an individual who is interested in becoming a full-time police officer, but isn’t ready to go full swing into a full-time position yet.

Anyone interested may come to the Kouts Police Department and pick up an application, or go to our website at https://koutsindiana.net/police/ -2373 and download the application from our website to turn in (Click on "new hire packet" at the bottom of the screen).

• Applicants must be 21 years of age or older to apply
• You must possess a valid driver's license.
• You must provide your own equipment (Firearm, police vest, uniform, etc. Radios will be provided by the department).
• You must pass a rigorous background check.
• You must pass a drug test screening
• You must successfully pass interviews
• You must not have any felony convictions or convictions for domestic violence.
• You must be of good moral character.
• You must be a U.S. citizen of good standing.
• You must be able to be flexible in working different shifts.
• You must be in good physical condition to perform duties such as foot pursuits and prepared for the risk of dangerous situations occurring.
• You must successfully complete the ILEA 40-Hour Pre-Basic Course (this includes fi****ms qualifications and defensive tactics physical training).

If anyone has any questions regarding becoming a reserve police officer, feel free to contact the Kouts Police Department at (219)766-2332 and ask for Lieutenant Kevin Young or Town Marshal James Smith. You may also email us at [email protected].

Contact EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 For all other Non-Emergencies - 219-766-2332

01/24/2026

We would like to remind everyone of our town ordinance for parking along the street after snowfall. With the expected snowfall being projected for this weekend, please keep the roads clear for snowplows.

§ 73.05 PARKING AFTER SNOWFALL.
(A) Parking shall be prohibited with the exception of emergency vehicles/personnel on any part of any street within the town when an accumulation of snow and/or ice of one inch or greater is forecasted, and shall continue for an eight-hour period following the cessation of snowfall and/or ice.
(B) Any vehicle parked in violation of division (A) above shall be subject to towing and/or a fine. The owner of any vehicle found to be in violation of division (A) shall be responsible for costs of towing and storage, if applicable, and for payment of the fine established under § 34.01(D).
(`77 Code, § 33.05) (Am. Ord. 2015-2, passed 3-16-15; Am. Ord. 2021-1, passed 2-8-21)

12/17/2025

December 17th, 2025

We are seeking help from the public for a hit and run crash that occurred yesterday.

On December 16th, 2025, at approximately 6:15PM a black Honda Fit turned north onto State Rd 49 from Daumer Rd (Kouts Library).

Very shortly after, a silver or white sports utility vehicle (SUV) was northbound on state road 49 passing Daumer road (Kouts Library).

The SUV crashed into the rear driver's side causing the vehicle to spin out in front of the library.

The SUV was seen pulling over to the side of the road, and then suddenly left the scene of the crash.

Viewing the damage on the Honda Fit, we are looking at some extensive damage to the passenger side front corner of the SUV.

If anyone has any information about the identity of the driver or the vehicle that fled the scene, please contact the Kouts Police Department at (219)766-2332 or email us at [email protected].

11/12/2025

We are again hosting the annual Shop With A Cop program this Christmas season. If you would like to and are willing to donate, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

05/24/2025

*Update*: The post we earlier posted regarding the missing juvenile missing has been found safe. The Kouts Police Department would like to give a special thanks to:

Porter County Sheriff's Office
Porter County Search and Rescue Team
Kouts Fire Department
Valparaiso Police Department
Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department
Porter County Central Communications (911)
And all of the citizens who came out to assist in the search for Destin.

*The previous initial post that was posted in regards to the juvenile going missing was deleted on accident when removing the photo from our page.*

05/09/2025

The Town of Kouts is currently accepting applications for a full-time police officer.

Applicants must have no misdemeanor or felony convictions, a citizen of the United States with a GED or high school diploma, a valid Indiana drivers license and able to legally carry and possess a firearm.

The Kouts Police Department currently employs six full time officers and includes part time and reserve officers.

Applicant must be over the age of 21 and, if selected, the applicant will be required to attend the police academy within the first year of appointment if not already academy certified.

Academy Certified pay starts at $40,000

Non-Academy Certified $36,000 additional $1,500 after successfully completing the Academy.

Take home vehicle after completion of Field Training Program

We receive paid holidays, 10 sick days per year up to 30 days banked, and vacation starts at 40 hours off after one year of service.

We provide $1.00 cost per year insurance, Health, Dental, vision, life, and short-term disability for a full-time officer.

Department issued cell phone and Verizon hotspot

Must pass a background check

Must be able to successfully pass a physical fitness agility test (If not academy certified)

Willing to submit to drug screening test

Hoosier Start Retirement Plan 401K with matching compensation; we will match up to $2,000 a year

Those interested may pick up an application at the Kouts Police Department, 210 S. Main St. Kouts, Indiana or download application from https://www.koutsindiana.org/police/ -2373

The deadline for applications must be submitted to the Kouts Police Department by May 25th, 2025. Any questions may contact Sergeant Kevin Young at (219)766-2332 or by emailing [email protected]

Contact EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 For all other Non-Emergencies - 219-766-2332

04/15/2025

The Kouts Police Department has partnered with the Portage Township Autism Action Coalition which involves what is being called the "Blue Envelope Program."

What this program does, is allow a driver with autism that becomes involved with contact with the police (moving violation, a crash or any other interaction) provide the blue envelope (Which already contains the drivers license, registration, & insurance) in one place.

This allows officers to identify that the driver has autism and can interact with that knowledge. A blue envelope sticker should also be placed in the rear window of a vehicle to where if an officer ever stops an individual involved with this program, the officer can identify that the driver has autism.

If you or someone you know has autism and would like to be a part of this program, feel free to have them stop into the Kouts Police Department to receive information.

To read more information regarding the program, click on the link below:

https://www.portagetrustee.org/about-3

02/11/2025

We would like to remind everyone of our town ordinance for parking along the street after snowfall. With the expected snowfall being projected for tomorrow, 02/12/25, please keep the roads clear for snowplows.

§ 73.05 PARKING AFTER SNOWFALL.
(A) Parking shall be prohibited with the exception of emergency vehicles/personnel on any part of any street within the town when an accumulation of snow and/or ice of one inch or greater is forecasted, and shall continue for an eight-hour period following the cessation of snowfall and/or ice.
(B) Any vehicle parked in violation of division (A) above shall be subject to towing and/or a fine. The owner of any vehicle found to be in violation of division (A) shall be responsible for costs of towing and storage, if applicable, and for payment of the fine established under § 34.01(D).
(`77 Code, § 33.05) (Am. Ord. 2015-2, passed 3-16-15; Am. Ord. 2021-1, passed 2-8-21)

01/26/2025

On 01/25/2025 at approximately 7:10p.m. the Kouts Police Department was dispatched to Thomas Drazer Memorial Park in references to a potential drive-by shooting that occurred where one party was reported to be hit. Upon the officer's arrival, it was found to be by a pellet/airsoft gun and at no time was a real firearm used during this incident.

Upon the officer speaking with all parties, it was found that the individual that had been reportedly hit was in his hand and was taken to be checked out by EMS.

We want to assure everyone that there is no active threat to the public. This incident is being investigated by the Kouts Police Department and we are investigating leads from the parties involved, witness's, as well as video surveillance recorded of the incident.

If anyone has any information or questions regarding this incident, please reach out to us at (219)766-2332.

12/17/2024

OUR CHRISTMAS STORY 12/16/2024

Twas an early Monday morning the kids from Kouts Elementary School loaded the bus at 8:30am. A light fog and drizzle of rain coated their winter coats however, not to put a damper on their spirts as they began their journey on the bus which was es**rted to the store via a police es**rt. Once at their destination, the sound of Christmas bells could be heard as the children off loaded the bus. The children's eyes began to gleam, and their cheeks become rosy. As they stood in awe and gleamed with excitement meeting the familiar man himself. Ol' Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus greeted the children with thunderous HO HO HO, hugs and candy canes.
Once the greeting was done the children were paired with an officer and the shopping spree was in full swing. Rolling their carts up and down aisles of toys, clothes, and stuff animals. While shopping, the bond between the child with his or her officer became stronger as they shared both their Christmas wishes and dreams. Knowing this opportunity would allow each child and their family the anticipation and excitement of gifts, not just for themselves, but also for their family.
Then it was time for the children to say their goodbyes to Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus while all the while whispering their last Christmas wishes into his ear. With the shopping done and shopping bags full, they loaded the bus and were es**rted back to Kouts Elementary School. The children and their officers started to wrap the presents with great excitement. They then began sharing pizza, milk and cookies together. The atmosphere was of joy and happiness at the thought of how wonderful their Christmas morning would be. Joy could be felt in the room, as the sound of torn tape and the crinkling of wrapping paper echoed as they themselves worked like elves on their gifts to take home to place under their Christmas tree. We then said our goodbyes with hugs and "High Five's" and to all we shouted-

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!"

We would like to thank all of the businesses and citizens who made a contribution to this year's SHOP with A COP. Without your donations this program could not be possible. A special THANK YOU!! to Kouts Family Express who donated the pizza and cookies and to the staff of Kouts Elementary School. Big Thank You to Meijer's for hosting us for the shopping. I also would like to thank the Kouts officers and Ms. Tori and Ms. Jenn that volunteered their time to participate along with Porter County officer's Lt. VanKley and Officer Knapp for also joining us on our adventure!!!!

Chief Michael R. Miller

11/28/2024

From all of the officers of the Kouts Police Department, we would like to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! May everyone enjoy the time that you spend with your families and friends, and as always travel safe!!!!!