INDIANAPOLIS — City leaders announced in $750,000 funding aimed at improving public safety downtown. Most of the funds will be targeted on extra policing in the Mile Square.
In addition to increasing foot and bike patrols of off-duty IMPD officers downtown, the funds will go to launch a “Safe Ambassador” program which will employ citizens and IMPD cadets to assist downtown business owners and patrons. The ambassadors will serve an extra set of eyes providing direct communication to IMPD. The funds will also be used for creating a network of 150 street-level cameras, in partnership with downtown businesses and hooking into the existing B.Link program. Mobile cameras will also be positioned in crime hot spots.
The partnership between IMPD Downtown and IMPD Narcotics and Homeless units will identify areas of increased activity, and move resources to those areas as needed.
The move comes in light of an increase in criminal activity downtown, including a well-publicized stabbing outside City Market, in August.