INDIANAPOLIS--Gun violence and violent crime has been classified as a public health danger.
That’s according to a new proposal approved by the Indianapolis City-County Council Monday night. It was approved by a vote of 21-3.
This proposal opens up the opportunities for Indianapolis to seek additional money for programs aimed at fighting crime. It also allows for more money to establish and operate programs through the Office of Public Health and the Marion County Health Department.
The city of Indianapolis will give budget priority to initiatives and programs that promise better success in dealing with gun violence.
Earlier Monday night, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett presented the 2019 budget to city-county council.
The $1 billion budget will provide funding for an additional 120 police officers and 80 firefighters.
There have been 91 murders in Indianapolis in 2018. At this time last year, there were 79.
(PHOTO: PoliceLights_Thinkstock_JOECHOE-16)
