INDIANAPOLIS — In 2017, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department made arrest in about 41 percent of its murder investigations.
That’s below the national average of around 60 percent.
In 2018, the department made significant strides. So far, IMPD has made arrests in 65 percent of homicides in the city.
Some of the credit is being attributed to a witness protection program. This summer, City-County Council approved $300,000 for the program. To date, the fund has been used to keep 12 families safe in seven separate criminal investigations.
IMPD Chief Bryan Roach said he believes the program is making big strides.
“It has helped witnesses feel safer about coming forward,” Roach said.
In addition to the strides, the city is facing some serious challenges. According to IMPD, the department has recorded 154 homicides so far this year, just four away from breaking another record in criminal homicides for any previous year.
Mayor Joe Hogsett recently made it clear: The city has some serious challenges ahead.
“There is a substantial reason for hope,” the mayor said.
(Photo: Chalabala/Thinkstock)
(WISH-TV’s Julian Grace)
