4-6-25

ATTENTION- MESSAGE FROM INDOT

“On April 3, 2025, stop signs were installed for eastbound and westbound traffic on S.R. 26 at Williams Street in Portland. An all-way stop was approved for this location in coordination with the City of Portland to help improve traffic safety at this location. However, the signs were installed in error prior to placement of appropriate pavement markings and advance message boards. INDOT is working to mitigate the situation at this time, first by removing the new signs today at noon until proper installation can occur in mid-April.”

Posting front Portland Police Department 4-3-25

I want to directly address and clarify concerns regarding the increased police presence at the intersection of Votaw and Williams Street following the installation of new stop signs.


Earlier today, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) erected new stop signs at this location. The Portland Police Department was not directly notified in advance of this change. Once I was made aware by on-duty officers, I immediately contacted WPGW to help broadcast the update to the public, instructed that a public Facebook post be made, and assigned on-duty officers to the area with one clear objective: to ensure public safety.


Since the signs were installed, we have already received reports from citizens, a member of the Portland City Council, and our officers have personally observed multiple near-misses and many drivers failing to stop. This is not a matter of enforcement for revenue or punishment. It is a matter of preventing a serious accident.


Let me be absolutely clear:
No citations have been issued for these stop sign violations at this time. Our officers are stopping vehicles to alert drivers, educate them on the new signage, and prevent accidents. Citations will only be issued if truly warranted by dangerous or reckless behavior.


We understand that change can be frustrating and that not everyone is immediately aware of traffic pattern updates. That is precisely why our officers are present—to help drivers adjust safely.
Allegations of corruption or profit-driven enforcement are entirely false and undermine the purpose of what we are doing: protecting our community. The officers assigned to this area are acting on my direct instruction to help prevent harm, not to punish or generate revenue.


If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss this matter further, I encourage you to reach out to me directly. I am always available to explain our actions and ensure our community stays informed.


Thank you,

Chief Dustin Mock
Portland Police Department