Joe Hogsett: Indy should continue with collaborative solutions

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State Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis, proposed that the state—through a governor’s appointee, a state-appointed board and the Indiana attorney general—take over law enforcement in the Mile Square in downtown Indianapolis. Is that a good idea? Five leaders weigh in. IBJ sent a request to the Senate Majority Communications Office seeking a column from Young, but the office declined.

This is not the first time we’ve seen an extreme proposal pointed at Indianapolis. But what makes our downtown safer and stronger is not division—rather, it is working together as a community, across sectors, industries and parties toward productive and collaborative solutions.

I believe wholeheartedly in the power of local government to shape a city that best serves its residents. That invests in what is important for its neighborhoods. That spurs a resurgence of its downtown to new heights of economic development, housing density and as a place where people from across the globe feel safe to visit and enjoy.

Because that is exactly what we have done in Indianapolis.

Just in the last several months, we have hosted the WNBA All-Star Weekend, Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration, the NCAA Men’s Regional Basketball Championship, WWE’s Royal Rumble, the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament and many more events for people of all ages and walks of life in our downtown. And we have done so in the way only Indianapolis can—with community-centered activations, fan experiences and more that thousands of people have enjoyed.

While a few heartbreaking and tragic incidents of gun violence downtown might grab the headlines, they do not reflect the reality of our city. Anyone who looks at the data will see that for the past three years, gun violence in Indianapolis has been trending downward. Our gun violence reduction strategy continues to save lives.

But that does not mean we are slowing down our efforts. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and our Office of Public Health and Safety are working together with partners in the community and clergy to ensure the safety of our young people. The City-County Council is considering an ordinance to extend curfew hours. The Indianapolis Center for Conflict Resolution is helping residents work through disputes without turning to a gun. Outreach workers and violence interrupters are intensively engaging with those at highest risk of gun violence to prevent incidents before they occur. Mental health providers are responding to 911 calls that don’t require a police response. And over the course of this administration, we have hired more than 900 IMPD officers to keep our city safe with proactive recruiting efforts and a significant increase in first-year officer pay.

I could exceed my 500-word limit on this topic, but I leave you with this: Know that I’m working around the clock alongside my team and our dedicated partners, because we remain committed to realistic solutions that ensure the safety of all in downtown and every Indianapolis neighborhood—together, as one city.•

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Hogsett, a Democrat, is mayor of Indianapolis. Send comments to [email protected].

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