INDIANAPOLIS – In light of the recent homicide rates in the Circle City, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department leadership hopes a new extensive training course will help reduce gun violence.
Department leaders just spent time in Chicago learning new strategies.
“Our violence numbers are down,” said Deputy Chief Tanya Terry. “Nonfatal shootings and our homicide numbers are down, and that’s what we want to continue to build on.”
Terry feels the 6-month Policing Leadership Academy she just completed taught her to look at the numbers through a different lens than what she’s used to.
“Are we solving the right problems? How are we looking at our data? How are we using our data, and are we even looking at the right data to begin with?”, Terry said.
She feels these questions the University of Chicago Crime Lab gave her will allow her to utilize the city’s criminal intelligence analysts within each district more often.
“I think we can expand on their role within our everyday, as far as helping us know where our cops need to be, and when, and for what reason,” she said.
One anti-violence advocate said the plans are good in theory, but questions whether it will work.
“You’re listening to some great ideas, but it will not translate to improvement on what we’re seeing in Indianapolis,” said Reverend David Greene Sr., pastor for Purpose of Life Ministries and president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis.
Greene believes resources need to be readily available and thinks IMPD should focus on mental health, improving the case solvability rate, and bridging the gap between police and the community.
“We’ve got to begin to address the core issues at a major level with major commitment to it, and it also does require intentionality, are we willing to do it?” said Greene.
