(Batesville, IN) – The City of Batesville released the following statement on Mike Manus’ recent promotion to Police Chief: :
“Batesville is a city that takes pride in its own, and today marks an exciting new chapter in its public safety story. Mike Manus, a familiar face within the Batesville Police Department, has stepped into the role of Police Chief, bringing with him a unique blend of experiences and a deep-rooted commitment to the community.
“Born just a stone’s throw away in Decatur County, Mike’s connection to the area runs deep. His formative years in Greensburg, where he graduated high school, were significantly shaped by his father’s dedication to public service as both a police officer and a firefighter. While this certainly instilled a sense of civic duty, Mike’s early ambitions focused on a different field: the baseball diamond.
“His passion and talent for the sport took him far, from the fields of Greensburg High to Indiana State University, where he studied Criminology and Criminal Justice. This academic pursuit laid the groundwork for his future, but his time playing professional baseball with the Detroit Tigers also broadened his horizons. Living and working alongside players from diverse backgrounds and cultures across the globe, Mike gained invaluable perspective. He witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those navigating new languages, customs, and circumstances, fostering a sense of empathy and an even greater appreciation for his own Indiana upbringing. He credits his time in both college and professional baseball for instilling in him the discipline to manage demanding responsibilities, the focus to achieve goals through sacrifice, and a network of connections that extends into various corners of public service.
“Upon returning to Indiana, Mike’s long-held desire to serve his community led him to the Batesville Police Department in 2012. He quickly immersed himself in the work, attending the Indiana Police Academy and navigating the demanding schedules of a young officer. A two-year stint as a resource officer for the Batesville Community School Corporation gave him a different rhythm and a crucial opportunity to connect with young people. During this time, he got his first experience leading case investigations, which sparked a particular interest in working as a detective – a path he would passionately pursue.
“Returning to patrol, Mike dedicated half his time to detective work before transitioning to a full-time detective role. For the past three years, he has been the lead detective, demonstrating an aptitude for leveraging technology, particularly computer and cell phone data, to solve complex cases. He’s also a strong advocate for parental involvement in cell phone safety, urging them to educate themselves and their children on this important issue.
“When discussing impactful cases, Mike stresses that every case holds significance and that successful resolutions are always a collaborative effort involving various public service teams. He acknowledges that cases involving children and other vulnerable individuals are particularly challenging and often the most rewarding to resolve.
“Reflecting on his 13 years with the Batesville Police Department, Mike highlights the positive impact of body cameras. He emphasizes how this technology has served as a vital tool for documenting the professionalism and integrity that he believes has long been a hallmark of the force under the leadership of outgoing Chief Stan Holt. Mike is quick to credit Chief Holt for building an exceptional department and assures the citizens of Batesville that he is committed to maintaining this high standard. His plans include continuing officer training and ensuring the force remains knowledgeable and skilled. Furthermore, he intends to focus on the crucial aspects of recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction within the department.
“A key element of effective policing, in Mike’s view, is strong connectivity with other agencies and law enforcement professionals. He values the expertise he has gained through his investigative work and the unexpected connections forged through his baseball career, with former teammates now serving in various public service roles. Echoing a sentiment shared by Chief Holt, Mike emphasizes the consistent support and encouragement the Batesville community has shown for its public safety personnel. Looking ahead, he is committed to a comprehensive approach to the ever-evolving drug problem, focusing on education, prevention, treatment, and continued law enforcement efforts.
“For the residents of Batesville, the appointment of Mike Manus as Police Chief signifies not just a change in leadership, but a continuation of a positive trajectory. He brings a diverse background, a genuine connection to the community, and a deep commitment to fairness and respect for all. As he steps into this new role, the citizens of Batesville can feel confident that their police department will continue to operate with integrity, guided by a leader who values collaboration, continuous learning, and the well-being of every member of the community.”
