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.