The way Delphi residents will access the local police department will change beginning Jan. 1. According to police chief Justin Darling, the change will streamline emergency calls and should not hinder non-emergency calls.

Darling said residents will continue to use the 564-2345 number to reach the department for all calls. The calls will be received by county dispatch located at the county jail on Main St., however the caller will hear "Delphi Police Department" when the call is answered.

Darling said the plan is for non-emergency calls to be transferred to the city building. After business hours, voice-mail will record messages. Emergency calls will be dispatched immediately from the jail to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Darling said the city will save close to $60,000 due to the move. Response times will be improved also, because communication will be more direct. Darling said most residents will not notice the changes.

"Police department telephone calls will not go directly to the city building anymore but they will be answered in the same way," Darling said. "Response times for emergencies will be quicker, which will benefit all city residents."