IMPD Chief Taylor: We did not get here overnight with homicides. Change will take time

This has been a difficult year for many of us. This year has been challenging for residents and families within our community who have been victimized by violent crime all too often. You frequently hear the about the city’s latest numbers, typically referring to the number of homicides or murders our city has had to endure

But these numbers do not scratch the surface or do justice for the lives that were taken too soon. These numbers make up lives, which in turn make up people, who are a part of families and are the neighbors that make up our community.

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It’s been a challenge for those working for community groups, grassroots and non-profit organizations around the city. These groups are tasked with providing key resources to families in need. These dedicated helpers provide a vital service for those going through the unimaginable. Lastly, it’s been a challenge for those who work in public safety, who day in and day out, continue to protect and serve the residents of Indianapolis.

As your Police Chief, I am proud to have worked alongside these brave men and women who have continued to work through this deadly pandemic, when others were sheltered at home. I am impressed and honored by their courage, dedication, and commitment as they have served through the civil unrest that swept across our nation, policy changes, and so many other challenges. Despite all this, they continue to adapt, overcome, and serve and for that, I could not be more thankful.

While it sometimes may not feel like it, IMPD’s efforts are in fact paying off and have resulted in significant progress. This year alone, the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force has confiscated nearly 300 crime guns off the streets of Indianapolis and the surrounding areas and there have been more than 250 arrests, both state and federal.

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Our officers remain engaged with our youth, bridging the gap, and working with the community to prevent and address violent crime. We are doing this through monthly public safety walks, Police Athletic League (PAL), IMPD Cares mentoring program, foot patrols, bike patrols, and the Junior Cadet program. IMPD also has released 10 critical incident videos this year. The goal of these videos is to be as transparent as possible with the community, showing residents exactly what happened. This year, IMPD created several new video series that have been shared across our social media platforms. IMPD’s Officer Spotlight and Before the Badge are meant to show the “who and what” of the IMPD.

Additionally, the department embraces the deployment of body-worn cameras and come next year, we will continue to invest in modern crime fighting technology. This consists of additional license plate readers, public safety cameras in high-crime areas and a new gunfire detection pilot program to help police respond to gun crimes more efficiently and effectively.

As we advance our efforts, I am seeing greater community involvement in constructive and encouraging ways. This includes more of our neighbors providing information after a crime has occurred and coming forward as witnesses to help with our investigations. Residents are also showing their support by voicing their frustrations at the level of crime taking place and their belief that now is not the time to defund the police. I could not agree more. I, too, share the community’s frustration in regards to our latest homicide and murder numbers. Any incident of violence in our city is one too many, and we grieve with the families who have been impacted.

At the same time, we must recognize that we didn’t get here overnight and acknowledge that, unfortunately, it will take some time to change. At the IMPD, we want and need support, cooperation, and action from the community. We want to earn and receive the respect of the residents. We want your ideas and your feedback. We want the department to evolve into a more interactive partnership with the common goal of serving the people of our city.

We also need practical participation such as more people coming forward with information before and after crimes occur. We need residents to cooperate with our detectives to solve cases. We need a collaborative approach from our criminal justice system to ensure people are held responsible for their actions. This includes the prosecutor’s office, courts, community corrections and others within the community.

Looking ahead, and with an eye towards accomplishing these goals, IMPD plans to host regular town halls with the community to ensure every resident feels engaged. Additionally, we will continue focused patrols by targeting hot spots through beat policing, Violence Reduction Team (VRT) and Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF).

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We also will be taking a strategic approach to identify those most at-risk of becoming victims and working with our partners to focus on mental health services and other root causes of crime. We also are looking forward to the impact of the American Rescue Act funding and the 2022 budget, which includes $150 million dollars toward anti-violence efforts. This includes the additional funding to hire 100 new IMPD officers. Please understand, this will only be accomplished if residents step up and join our recruiting efforts.

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I know what this city is capable of, and I am looking forward to the new challenges the new year will bring.

Have a blessed holiday season and we look forward to protecting and serving you in the new year.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Chief Taylor: Indianapolis murder rate record requires resident help