Violent crime in Indianapolis is on the decline, particularly on the east side, according to preliminary statistics gathered by the Indianapolis Police Department. Summaries — the most recent ending March 15 — indicate the city’s overall 2014 crime rate is down about 15 percent from 2013. The city’s most significant areas of improvement include a 21.8 percent decline in rapes, and a whopping 29.28 percent drop in burglaries. The summaries are available to the public on the police department’s Web site, www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPS/IMPD
East District in particular has seen significant progress in combatting violent crime. From January 1 to March 15 of this year, homicides were down 37.5 percent, and aggravated assault down 34.78 percent. In addition, non-residential burglaries were down 49.04 percent and residential burglaries were down 39.89 percent. All told, reported crimes in East District were down 25.53 percent from last year.
East District Commander James Waters said that he was very proud of the officers, and the community, for the improvements being made in East District. “We’re pleased that we are going in the right direction,” he said. “This is a result of teamwork between our officers and the community.”
Waters noted that East District has adopted a “holistic” approach to policing, which includes improving communication between officers and communities. He pointed to several programs unique to East District which foster understanding, such as family intervention initiatives that can help troubled families get the resources they need. He recruited Officer Sherron Franklin to work with juvenile and youth programs, which has been yielding results. He also noted that East District has a Crime Watch specifically for the Latino community, which has dramatically improved the relationship between the Latino community and the police force — a relationship that is paying off in increased crime tips.
They also held workshops on “policing the adolescent brain” based on the latest research that states that the human brain is not fully mature until about age 25. Impulsiveness, impaired judgement, and poor planning are part of immature brain patterns — and can result in bad decisions that lead to arrest. Waters pointed out that officers educated in how the young mind works can make better decisions on the street when dealing with young men in particular.
Most of the programs Commander Waters has implemented in East District over the past couple of years have been funded by local businesses. “This is a literal buy-in by the community to fund these programs. They know that the social approach to policing is working.” The East Side Business Association, motel owner Kartik Patel, Charlie Garcia of Garcia Construction, and many others have contributed financially to bring in programs and develop resources.
Waters said that another reason East District has seen significant drops in crime has been due to citizens calling in crimes. “For years now, we’ve been telling people to call 911 if they see something. They are calling, and we’re investigating.” He said that there was a 50,000 call increase to 911 from the year before.
“I tell people all the time, we’re running out of cops, so it’s up to everyone to police our neighborhoods. They’ve stepped up.”
However, Waters also explained that the vast majority of violent crime victims are involved in narcotics and/or prostitution. “If you avoid these lifestyles, you greatly reduce your chances of being a victim.”
Despite the statistics, crime continues to be a concern for most residents. Tom Scott, the minister of Cumberland Christian Church and chaplain for the Cumberland Police Department, is inviting the community to a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. on April 10 at the church, located at 12032 East Washington St. He will be joined by Cumberland Police Chief Michael Crooke. Prayers will be offered for the victims, families, and police officers.