Weekly View » IMPD

City Targets Violent Crime with New Initiatives

Weekly View — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 05:11:55 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — As part of a community-focused public safety strategy, Mayor Joe Hogsett introduced the new Director of Community Violence Reduction, Shonna Majors, and launched the Community-Based Violence Prevention Partnership, a grant program that will seek to invest nearly $300,000 into Indianapolis neighborhoods this year. The public safety strategy also includes the ongoing targeted enforcement of illegally-possessed handguns by IMPD and their state and federal partners.
An Indianapolis native, Shonna Majors grew up on the eastside, experiencing a challenging childhood and becoming a victim of gun violence at age 16 — an event that motivated her to choose a more productive path and complete her education. Shonna went on to graduate from Pike High School and receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology from Indiana State University. She has spent more than 20 years working in the criminal justice system.
As the first Director of Community Violence Reduction, Shonna will work in the Office of Public Health and Safety, coordinating the community intervention component of Mayor Hogsett’s anti-violence initiative, and serving as a bridge between law enforcement agencies, community groups, and neighborhoods. Shonna will oversee the Indy Peacemakers — a group of local activists that will provide day-to-day operational and capacity-building assistance to community groups engaged in violence prevention.
With applications for 2018 grants open, the Community-Based Violence Prevention Partnership will invest an additional $1 million over three years directly into Indianapolis neighborhoods. In combination with the Community Crime Prevention Grant program administered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation — which has seen a 50 percent increase in funding over the last two years — this represents the largest investment in neighborhood-based anti-crime efforts in more than a decade.
The new initiatives come on the heels of IMPD returning to community-based beat policing April 23, rolling out 78 beats across the city that allow officers to build relationships and trust in the neighborhoods they serve.
The funding will be awarded to community organizations, helping to support evidence-based violence reduction programming and wraparound services. Applications will be accepted until July 6, 2018 with awards to be announced mid-July. To learn more and begin the application process, visit OPHS.indy.gov.

Officer Receives Honorable Mention as Top Cop

Weekly View — Thu, 24 May 2018 05:10:53 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — As part of National Police Week IMPD Sergeant Matthew Morgan was honored as an honorable mention for the prestigious TOP COPS award.
On Aug. 7, 2017 Sergeant Morgan responded to a person struck by a train behind the Garden City Elementary School located at 4901 Rockville Rd. Sergeant Morgan had detailed knowledge of the area from working the district for the past 15 years. He knew there was a path through a creek leading up to the tracks, which are otherwise inaccessible due to fencing. He waded through the creek and climbed a steep hill to get to the sounds of a crying female victim.
Once he arrived he discovered that the victim was 11 year old Breanna Brooks. Breanna lived nearby and was playing on the tracks with her friends when she was struck. Sergeant Morgan pushed Breanna’s shredded tissue back in place, which was necessary before he could apply the tourniquet. He then applied the tourniquet and continued lifesaving efforts. Breanna was crying asking if she was going to die. Sergeant Morgan comforted her and assured her she was not.
He ordered officers responding to the scene to nearby convenience stores to grab bags of ice hoping Breanna’s leg could be re-attached if put on ice in time. The nearest help was 5 minutes away due to the limited access to the area and the train still being on the track. Had it not been for Sergeant Morgan’s knowledge of the area and calm demeanor Breanna would most likely not survived. Doctors were unable to reattach Breanna’s leg. Sergeant Morgan visited her in the hospital and had a “lunch date” with her later in the week bringing her McDonald’s.
His efforts attracted so much attention local first responders banded together and later built a handicapped ramp for Breanna at her home.

Coffee With a Cop

CJ Woods III — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 06:08:59 +0000

“Not gonna be much criminal activity around here,” I muttered to myself as I gingerly maneuvered my car into a parking space between two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department cruisers. I had already passed about a half-dozen of the white patrol cars on East Washington Street, Johnson Avenue and Ritter. I entered the coffee shop, where the buzz of activity was at a higher level than I usually encounter at 2:00 pm, and as I waited for my Americano and blueberry muffin, a woman with a bright smile came up to me. “Hi! Are you here for coffee with a cop?” I looked into the large room behind her and saw that, indeed, there were cops in the coffee house. “I was just here for the coffee,” I told her.
Helen Jackson introduced herself as a Victim Assistance Counselor for the IMPD, and explained that the department has a community outreach program (which we have mentioned in this publication) that encourages residents to interact with the officers who serve in their district. She introduced me to the officer standing with her, Roman Williams-Ervin, who greeted me with a firm and friendly handshake. I made my way to the rear of the blue-packed coffee shop and found a seat; my intention was to work on a column for the paper, but I could not help but be interested in the conversations that flowed around me.
East District Commander Roger Spurgeon comfortably headed up a table of officers, and smiled “nice camera” when he saw my Nikon D3400. A person who may have been a neighborhood resident placed a chair next to the commander, and engaged him in an earnest discussion, which I assume from the resident’s serious expression, was centered around a policing concern. As I watched Ms. Jackson work the room, I decided to get some shots of her, Officer Williams-Ervin and his partner, Officer Stacy Riojas. When I returned to my coffee with a muffin, a couple seated next to me pointed to my copy of The Weekly View and asked, “Do you shoot for them?” I confessed that I do, and Tina Coffman said, “That’s our only newspaper.” Her husband, Tom Dilger, said, “It’s our Wall Street Journal.” The couple sat in chairs at a table next to mine, where they had been playing a card game against their computer. Ms. Jackson listened to a concern expressed by the couple, and handed them off to Executive Officer Columbus Ricks, who addressed their fears, partly by assuring them that the renovation of the Rivoli Theater was likely to “revitalize the neighborhood” and have an impact on crime. And lest anyone think that the gathered troops were distracted from policing, I saw an officer enter into a serous, whispered conversation with the commander; as the officer left, I heard someone say that he “had a run.” The “Blue Crew” was still on the job.
I wandered into the middle of what I believe to be an immensely important community gathering, had my coffee and muffin, met Tina Coffman and Tom Dilger and a crowd of the “Blue Crew,” including Officer Tamar Harper, of the East District Community Relations Unit, who gave me a some informational fliers. And on that day, the gathering of the troops did indeed, make sure that there was no criminal activity in that spot.
Your next opportunity for copper coffee is March 8th, at Pia’s Urban Cafe Coffee Shop, 2834 E. Washington St.

IMPD Celebrates African-American Officers During Black History Month

Weekly View — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:10:44 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) will celebrate the achievements of African-American officers serving the Indianapolis Police Department/Indianapolis Department (IPD) and the Marion County Sheriff in commemoration of Black History Month.
IMPD will highlight in display cases the achievements of many of the department’s first African-American officers throughout its history. The exhibit, which is open and free to the general public, was organized by civilian employee Patrick Pearsey, and sponsored by IMPD and the Indianapolis Police Foundation.
“We owe a debt of gratitude for the selfless sacrifice of all police officers,” said Chief Rick Hite. “Given the inherent struggles during the 1800’s and 1900’s we owe these African-American police officers a special honor.”
An example of the rich history African-American police officers have contributed to the police department is the story of the very first African-American Detective. In 1885, Detective Benjamin T. Thornton was promoted to rank of detective. During Detective Thornton’s service to the Indianapolis community, he is credited with over 400 arrests and solved murder cases in 1888, 1890 and 1896. Detective Thornton had a knack for knowing who the criminals were and was credited with knowing everyone in the community. He was the seventh African-American police officer to join the Indianapolis Police Department.
The public is invited to view this historical display at the City-County Building (200 East Washington Street) between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Applause!: July 25-Aug. 1

Weekly View — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 05:08:17 +0000

• The Vogue will hold a A Night of Peace fundraiser for the Indy Public Safety Foundation on July 25 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. There will be a silent auction, donation buckets, guest speakers, live music and a DJ. This is a 21-and-older event, with a suggested donation of $10.
• Congratulations to Snips in Irvington, which has again been chosen to be the official salon for the Indiana State Festival Associations Scholarship Pageant. This is their 11th year with the pageant.
• IMPD’s National Night Out Against Crime will be held Aug. 5. Many neighborhood associations will be organizing get togethers and events to mark the occasion. If your neighborhood is doing something special, let us know and we’ll get it in the paper. E-mail me at ethel.weeklyview@yahoo.com or call the office at 356-2222.
• Central Indiana Young Marines is hosting its first annual golf outing on Aug. 9 at Winding Ridge Golf Club. The money raised from the event will go toward the purchase of uniforms, cover tuition for leadership schools and pay for the annual unit encampment at Bradford Woods. It is a military themed event and organizers encourage all retired, active duty, and reserves. The cost is $80 per person or $320 per team. Deadline for registration is Aug. 1. Call David Heffner at 248-9668 or e-mail David@HeffnerPlumbing.net for more information.
• Kudos to the officers who I (Ethel) saw on July 16 on my street taking a report. One, a young African-American officer, motioned my neighbor’s son over — an African-American teenager who was walking past. The boy looked a little worried, but the officer reached out his hand and shook the young man’s hand, and the chatted and joked for a bit. Some of the younger kids on bikes circled around them, and the officer spent time with each child, complimenting them on their bikes and toys, reminding them to be careful biking on the street, etc. The other officer finished his report and took the time to say hello and shake hands with other neighbors and slow a car down that was barreling down the street. I didn’t catch their names (by the time I got inside to get a piece of paper and pen, they’d gone), but these two officers did true community policing that evening, making a point to be part of the neighborhood. Thank you!
• Lowarth a Winslow (Garden of Winslow in Cornish) has gone insane with squash and green tomatoes and a million weeds. Hot weather is sure to bring the red out of the tomatoes soon, and with a bit of rain and a lot of sunshine, the gardens will continue their bounty!

IMPD Names Crime Fighters of the Year

Weekly View — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 05:10:55 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — During the 30th Annual National Night Out Against Crime Kick-Off at Martin University on Aug. 6, Mayor Ballard, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry, Director of Public Safety Troy Riggs, Chief Richard Hite, and the IMPD Command Staff honored several community members as Crime Fighters of the Year.
Ms. Renee Lynch was named the IMPD East District’s 2013 Crime fighter of the Year. Renee has spent countless hours engaging people in the Brookside area, including watching to ensure kids walking to and from School 54 are safe during school hours. Renee has boarded and re-boarded more than 24 vacant properties in the Brookside area and at times, using her own money. She has also been known to cut the high grass at vacant properties. Here are some of the other things she does to improve her neighborhood, including organizing neighborhood cleanups, working with government agencies to improve quality of life, and much more. She is the President of Brookside Neighborhood Association
Mr. Aaron York is the IMPD Southeast District Crime Fighter of the Year. Mr. York is a man of extraordinary faith, fortitude, intelligence, ingenuity, compassion and kindness. His support, generosity and good extend far beyond the police department to include; various neighborhood groups, community organizations, businesses, schools and so many others. And at nearly 80 years young, his energy, enthusiasm, and “Can Do” attitude puts many men half his age to shame.
The 2013 Downtown District Crime Fighter of the year is Ms. Valencia Hightower. Ms. Hightower is the Community Manager of the John Barton Apartments, an Indianapolis Housing Agency development located at 555 Massachusetts Ave. In the past three years as the manager of the 21-story high rise (and the manager of the adjoining 8-story Barton Annex), Ms. Hightower has turned what was once one of the Downtown District’s high call volume locations into a safe community for her tenants, visitors and public safety.
The IMPD’s North District named Ms. Clara Warner for the “Crime Fighter of the Year” award. Clara has been an active community participant for decades in Mapleton/Fall Creek. Her service to community began after attending a neighborhood leadership training class that inspired her to become involved. She soon became the vice president of her neighborhood association and later then was named as the president.
In addition, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry presented the Community Resurrection Partnership (CRP) with the 2013 Marion County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Fighter of the Year Award. Established in 1996, CRP is a community action group focusing on the Near Eastside and Martindale-Brightwood community. Through its Healing Communities project, CRP has supported individuals released from incarceration thereby reducing crime recidivism. CRP, as part of its Faith Walks initiative, has also worked with IMPD to identify areas within the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood that have the highest concentration or risk of violence.

Church Seeks Help For IMPD

Weekly View — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 05:10:15 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS – For the past 5 years, The Father’s House, a multi-cultural, non-denominational Christian Church on Indy’s southeast side, have hosted Annual IMPD Roll Call. Several hundred IMPD Police Officers from multiple districts hold their Roll Call at the church, where they are treated to a full meal and a very special gift before they hold their Roll Call and head back out into the streets of Indianapolis.
This year, the church is asking for community support, due to the unique nature of the gift they will present each officer this year. They are purchasing Gunshot Wound Trauma Kits that will allow officers to immediately stop bleeding, should they, their partner, or a victim be seriously wounded in a situation where EMTs can’t get to them.
According to Dr. Christopher T. Holland, Pastor at The Father’s House, “These kits are lifesaving equipment. From routine traffic stops turning into surprise shoot-outs, to large-scale attacks like what happened recently in Boston, violent crime is something that law enforcement must confront daily, and we want to help our IMPD officers be better prepared — to help themselves, each other, and to help us as citizens.”
The Gunshot Wound Trauma Kits cost approximately $100 each, and the church plans on equipping 200 officers with the kits. Says Holland, “We will need to have our community join together to generate the funds to make this happen. It’s something that affects us all.”
Donations can be made online at www.TheFathersHouseIndy.com, or can be mailed to The Father’s House, 1600 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN 46239. All donations should specify “IMPD ROLL CALL”.