INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF) dedicated its office at East District headquarters to the late Captain Michael “Mike” Bruin. Surrounded by Mike’s family, loved ones, colleagues and ICGTF partners, a plaque featuring his photo was unveiled and dedicated in his honor.
In 2017, Captain Bruin spearheaded the idea to create a taskforce in Central Indiana that allowed law enforcement to come together, collaborate and seize illegal crime guns off the streets of Indianapolis.
“We wouldn’t be here today without the efforts of Mike Bruin. All because of his idea back in 2017…lives have been saved based on his efforts and initiative,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey.
The Indianapolis Crime Gun Intelligence Task Force started in Januarya 2019 as a way to connect firearms and shooters at multiple crime scenes. In 2021, the task force was expanded to include law enforcement in surrounding counties. To date, the ICGTF has tracked down hundreds of crime guns and shooting suspects who travel beyond county lines and continues to be an essential partnership between IMPD and other agencies in reducing gun violence. ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms. In 2023, they seized 366 firearms and arrested 264 individuals. Of the 366 guns seized, all but 31 had been used in a firearm-related crime.
Former IMPD East District Commander Captain Michael Bruin passed away Thursday, June 9, 2022 after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He is survived by his wife Cheryl and children Eric and Emily. He was 61 years old.
Captain Bruin retired from IMPD on May 2 after serving the district for almost 36 years.
