Three Rivers Police Department Archives

TRPD confirms continued use of Flock surveillance technology, says city added seventh camera in 2025

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April 1, 2026

In an exclusive interview with Watershed Voice, Three Rivers Chief of Police Scott Boling and Detective Sgt. Steven Dibble said the cameras provide an additional investigative tool to help identify vehicles connected to crimes. Flock Safety’s license plate reader system has drawn national criticism from civil liberties groups, particularly the American Civil Liberties Union, which argues the technology enables a form of mass surveillance that extends beyond its original purpose. Boling said there is no “backdoor access” to the system, including for federal agencies such as ICE, and that any data sharing must be approved by the department.

From Texas to Michigan, Flock cameras are reshaping how police track vehicles

By Maxwell Knauer

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Local

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November 20, 2025

To discuss Three Rivers’ future desires for the cameras, Watershed Voice reached out to a representative of the Three Rivers Police Department but was told all media requests are now to be directed to City Manager Joe Bippus. Multiple attempts to seek comment from Bippus were made but, as of the publication of this article, Bippus has yet to respond.

Meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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September 2, 2025

This commission will meet this evening to discuss a proposed zoning ordinance for veterans housing, a purchase contract for an aerial ladder fire truck, and funding to sponsor a new police cadet.

Three Rivers City Commission discusses revised master plan, approves purchase of police vehicle

By Maxwell Knauer

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Three Rivers

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August 20, 2025

The used 2023 Chevy Blazer will be utilized as an unmarked vehicle for the Three Rivers Police Department. The purchase will be covered, in part, by trading in three department vehicles with mechanical issues, along with a $14,760 city contribution.

Suspects identified in Armstrong Park vandalism, investigation ongoing

By Maxwell Knauer

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News

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August 19, 2025

While suspects have been identified, Three Rivers Deputy Chief Sam Smallcombe said police are awaiting additional documentation before submitting the case to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office for review.

Federal funding freeze affects grant renewal for crime reduction technology used by Three Rivers Police

By Najifa Farhat

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News

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March 12, 2025

While the department’s primary funding comes from the city’s budget, special projects and initiatives often rely on federal grants. After successfully implementing a crime reduction program for a year, the department planned to apply for renewed funding but that was put on hold due to the federal funding freeze.

Three Rivers Police confirms gas leak near Hoppin Elementary contained

By Watershed Voice

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News

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October 30, 2024

The police department confirmed the leak was contained shortly after 11 a.m. today. Hoppin Elementary had been advised to keep students inside.

‘You’re going to face consequences for disrupting and causing all of this chaos in our community’: Some answers after threats to Three Rivers schools

By Frank Stanko

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Local

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September 18, 2024

Consequences for terrorizing threats have included long-term suspension or expulsion from school, plus criminal charges, Three Rivers’ deputy chief of police says.