Santa Claus Police Department

05/16/2026

Due to the threat of inclement weather, the Touch A Truck event that was scheduled this morning at Yelig Park has been canceled. We will let you know when it is rescheduled. Have a great weekend and stay safe..

04/28/2026

Santa Claus Police Department Official Job Posting: Full-Time Police Officer

The Santa Claus Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Full-Time Police Officer. We are seeking motivated, service-oriented individuals committed to protecting and serving the community of Santa Claus, Indiana.

Position Title: Full-Time Police Officer Location: Santa Claus, Indiana

Responsibilities Include:

Enforcing local, state, and federal laws

Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service

Conducting traffic enforcement and accident investigations

Preparing detailed reports and maintaining accurate records

Engaging with the community to promote public safety

Minimum Qualifications:

Must meet all Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board (ILETB) requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (college education preferred)

Valid driver’s license

Ability to pass background check, physical examination, and drug screening

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Application Process:Applications may be obtained in person at:Santa Claus Town Hall

Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, May 11.

The Santa Claus Police Department is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

For additional information, please contact Santa Claus Town Hall.

812-937-2340.

03/15/2026

⚠️ Wind Advisory for Santa Claus This Evening

Residents of Santa Claus are advised that strong winds are expected in our area this evening. Please take a few moments to secure or bring inside any loose outdoor items such as trash cans, patio furniture, decorations, trampolines, or other objects that could be picked up by the wind.

Flying debris can cause damage to homes and vehicles and could potentially injure someone.

Taking a few minutes now to secure these items can help prevent unnecessary damage and keep everyone safe.

Please stay safe and keep an eye on local weather updates.

Sant Claus Police.

03/13/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On March 13, 2026, the Santa Claus Police Department, with assistance from the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section and the Spencer County Prosecutor’s Office, arrested Santa Claus resident Eric Birchler on the following charges:

• Felony 4 – Child Solicitation
• Felony 6 – Dissemination of Matter Harmful to a Minor
• Class A Misdemeanor – Inappropriate Communication with a Child Under 14

Birchler allegedly attempted to meet with a 13-year-old juvenile in the Christmas Lake Village area of Santa Claus, Indiana.

Officers with the Santa Claus Police Department and investigators with the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section intercepted Birchler and took him into custody without incident.

Birchler was transported to the Spencer County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.

The Santa Claus Police Department remains committed to protecting the children and families of our community. This investigation remains ongoing.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

03/10/2026

Good afternoon, Santa Claus.

After nearly two decades of service, I want to share with our wonderful community that I will be retiring as Police Chief from the Santa Claus Police Department on May 22.

Serving the people of this town has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life. My family and I have built so many memories here, and Santa Claus will always hold a special place in our hearts. This community has supported me, our officers, and my family in ways that I will never forget.

This was not an easy decision. Law enforcement is more than a career — it is a calling. While the job can be difficult at times, it is also incredibly rewarding, and I have always been proud to serve and help others. However, after many conversations with my family, I felt the time was right to step away and spend more time with the people who mean the most to me.

My family and I have decided to begin a new chapter and move to a warmer state with plenty of sunshine. While we are excited for what lies ahead, we will always stay connected to this community. I still have family here, and we will certainly be making many trips back to Santa Claus.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career with the Santa Claus Police Department. The friendships, partnerships, and memories I have made here will stay with me forever.

Santa Claus will always be home.

Thank you all. You will truly be missed.

Chief
James Faulkenburg.

02/27/2026

🚨🚨Please be careful this morning and watch out for the FFA kids driving to school🚨🚨

02/16/2026

We are lucky to have Officer (LT SRO) Anderson. Thank you for keeping our schools and community a safer place.

💙 Shoutout to our School Resource Officer, Beau Anderson! 👮‍♂️🇺🇸

We are incredibly grateful for Officer Anderson and the role he plays at Heritage Hills. He does far more than keep our campus safe — he builds relationships, mentors students, supports staff, and serves as a trusted presence in our hallways every day.

Officer Anderson takes the time to know our students, celebrate their successes, and be there when they need guidance. That kind of care and commitment makes a lasting difference.

Thank you, Officer Anderson, for protecting our school, supporting our kids, and representing our community with professionalism, heart, and integrity. Heritage Hills is a better and safer place because of you. 👏💙

01/25/2026

Good evening everyone.

Unfortunately, due to the extremely cold temperatures, road conditions are not expected to improve anytime soon. Emergency services remain out and are working diligently to keep our community safe.

With the extreme cold expected tonight and throughout much of the coming week, we strongly encourage everyone to limit time spent outdoors. With school closed tomorrow, children may want to play outside; however, prolonged exposure to these temperatures can be extremely dangerous. Please take precautions and limit outdoor activities as much as possible.

As always, let’s continue to check on our neighbors to ensure everyone is safe and staying warm until this cold front passes.

Thank you,
Santa Claus Police Department

01/25/2026

A Spencer County Emergency Declaration Travel Restriction has been issued.

01/25/2026

Good morning, Santa Claus and Spencer County.

Road conditions are currently extremely hazardous and are expected to worsen as heavy snowfall continues. The Santa Claus Police Department, along with other emergency services, is actively monitoring roadway conditions.

The public is strongly advised to travel only in the event of an emergency. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, particularly those who may be elderly or vulnerable, to ensure they are safe and have adequate heat.

In the event of an emergency, please call 911. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should ensure they have warm clothing, blankets, food, and water in their vehicle in case of delays or becoming stranded.

Emergency services remain available, though response times may be extended due to weather conditions. Your cooperation is appreciated. Please remain safe.

— Santa Claus Police Department