At the IMPD East District Task Force meeting on Feb 13th, Major Tom Kern shared a cool new mapping tool available online. It started as his brainchild when he was stationed at East District and has now been expanded to cover all of Marion County. The Web site can be found at maps.indy.gov. The site offers several mapping options including property ownership and crime reports and can be selected by specific address, by zip code or landmarks. The area selected can be expanded for more detail. All information provided is public information and no confidential information is shown on the site. If you’re interested knowing who an abandoned home belongs to or what crimes are being reported in a particular area, these maps are the tool that will give you that information. The aerial views are somewhat out of date but crime information is updated constantly as new reports are called in by IMPD officers. A caveat was given though about the type of crime shown on the list and we were reminded that the initial report may show, for instance, a domestic problem but as the investigation evolves the facts may change the crime category to assault or some other type. Subsequent reports at the same address for the same initial call would show the updated category. There’s a lot of information available on the site in addition to crime reports though, so check it out.
Also at the Task Force meeting, Lt Bruin reviewed year-to-date crime statistics compared to this time last year. In East District, violent crimes are up by 13 percent even though overall crimes are only up 3 percent. The increase in violent crimes is alarming and he once again urged people to please stay alert and to call 911 about any suspicious activity. IMPD relies on the eyes and ears of citizens. Obviously, the more information you can provide, the better the chances are for positive results, so be as detailed as possible as to number of suspects, sex, size, any distinguishing features like beards or tattoos, etc. More than one recent major drug bust has been successful because of a simple 911 call. Several attendees mentioned that often people don’t call for fear of retribution. To help alleviate those fears, Lt Elder, who is now in charge of both the narcotics and violent crimes units, handed out cards with three ways to make reports anonymously.
• Call Crimestoppers at 262-8477 (TIPS) or 800-222-8477
• Text “INDYCS” + your tip to 274637 (Crimes)
• Report online at CrimeTips.org
Lt. Elder said that even the police have no way of knowing where those tips come from and that any rewards available are handled through third parties. Sharon Tabard, supervisor at 911, repeated that in order to remain anonymous when calling 911, that should be the first thing you tell the 911 operator since officers are being deployed as soon as your call is answered even while the operator is still asking questions. Waiting until all the information is broadcast to say you want to remain anonymous is too late. She also reminded everyone that calls for in-progress crimes will always take precedence over calls not currently in-progress, but there will be a response to all calls.
The next East District Task Force meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 13th at East District Headquarters, 201 N. Shadeland (Eastgate) and everyone is encouraged to participate.