New Mishawaka police leadership focuses on building trust and community connections
MISHAWAKA, Ind.-- Mishawaka's new Police Chief Alex Arendt is now four months into his new role, taking over two decades worth of leadership with him.
For Arendt, his focus is clear. He wants to create a safer community through a more open and engaged police force.
"That's probably the most important thing is understanding what our citizens want to see from our police department. We drive by in our squad cars or maybe we don't look like we're the most approachable, but we want to change that image or build on that image on being approachable where you come to us if you have an issue. If there's anything we can do to help, we want to hear about it," Arendt said.
With 29 years of experience in the department, Arendt says he’s ready to build on what’s already been established and lead the department in a positive direction.
He plans to increase the department’s presence at community events, expand neighborhood watch meetings, and enhance direct communication with residents.
Arendt wants residents to feel comfortable approaching officers with questions, comments or concerns. He believes that a stronger relationship between the police and the community will lead to a safer city for everyone.
Uniform Division Chief Craig Nowacki believes Arendt is the right person to lead the department into the future.
"I know with Chief Arendt taking over from services and be the new chief of police is very methodical on what he does and what he wants to do. He pays attention to detail, which is good which what you need to be in that role as you do have a lot of responsibility," Nowacki said.
The Mishawaka Police Department also has a new Chief of Investigative Division. Timothy Wiley stepped into that role in late August.
Wiley also believes in the importance of establishing communication and trust within the Mishawaka community.
"I'd talk to somebody probably on the worst day of their life. I would rather talk to somebody when it's not the worst day of their life. I'd rather talk to somebody when it's a happy day, it's a normal day, it's just an average day for them so they can know us and we can know them. Those emotional highs and lows are not there present, we can actually meet somebody where they are," Wiley said.
Wiley began his police career in 2005 with the South Bend Police Department, moving to the Detective Bureau and serving in the Metro Homicide Unit. He later joined the Mishawaka Police Department, returning to the Detective Bureau before his recent promotion to Chief of the Investigative Division.
While he doesn’t see the need for major changes, Wiley is committed to enhancing the department’s current practices, aiming for thorough and fair investigations.
Wiley's goal is to build strong cases that lead to successful trials. He says there is an importance in thoroughness, —making sure everything is done correctly.
Nowacki says that Wiley brings that quality to the force.
"With Tim being our new Detective Chief, excellent investigator both in regular investigations as well as be a homicide detective, he lends himself to what we need to have done here especially now that we have taken over the role of investigative homicide. They're really good in their roles and what they do. I'd say for both paying attention to detail is a very important quality to have," Nowacki said.