INDIANAPOLIS — City officials and community partners recently updated the public on progress made in on the Indianapolis Gun Violence Reduction Strategy as the City aims to accelerate a statistical decline in violence.
In fall of 2021, the city announced a comprehensive violence reduction plan, powered by $150 million in American Rescue Plan funds unanimously approved by the City-County Council. The plan emphasizes law enforcement investments, including $9 million in modern policing technology, 100 new IMPD officer positions, and up to 40 IMPD civilian positions to cover non-emergencies. It also addresses root causes of violence through $45 million for grassroots violence prevention organizations through the Elevation Grant program, 50 Peacemakers to engage with those at risk of becoming perpetrators or victims of gun violence, $30 million for mental health resources, and more.
The Gun Violence Reduction Strategy identifies individuals who are at very high risk of being involved in gun violence and employs intensive interventions to prevent retaliatory shootings. It emphasizes investing in community through grassroots efforts and is a highly collaborative process implemented by IMPD and the Indy Peace Fellowship — a partnership between the Indy Public Safety Foundation (IPSF), OPHS, and recipients of the Elevation Grant program through the Indianapolis Foundation.
Indianapolis experienced 211 criminal homicides in 2022, a reduction of 16.3% against 2021’s total of 252. It also represents a decrease compared to 2020’s criminal homicide total, at 215. It represents the largest proportional decrease in criminal homicides since the incorporation of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in 2007. In addition, Indianapolis experienced a 13.7% reduction in nonfatal shooting incidents compared to 2021, and a 7.9% decrease compared to 2020.
Additionally, during 2022, 99 at-risk individuals were enrolled in a violence reduction fellowship that connects them with resources and mentorship. Violence reduction personnel interrupted 693 incidents of potential violence. Outreach teams made 1,348 referrals to resources, and 97 at-risk individuals on probation participated in community safety meetings with law enforcement and non-sworn violence reduction personnel