Vop Osili: Let’s have a fact-based discussion on safety downtown

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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.

The challenges facing downtown Indianapolis are not unique. They reflect the same complex issues that major cities across the nation are navigating. And just like other urban centers, we are actively responding through collaboration, investment and community-based strategies.

But let me be clear: Recent calls for the state of Indiana to assume control of law enforcement and prosecution responsibilities in the Mile Square are both misguided and deeply troubling. These proposals ignore the progress that’s been made, and they diminish the dedication and professionalism of local law enforcement officers and prosecutors who work every day to serve this city with integrity.

Public safety should never be used as a political pawn. To suggest that downtown’s challenges are rooted in a failure of enforcement or prosecution not only misrepresents the facts, it perpetuates a damaging narrative for the very people who live, work and visit the heart of our city.

Certainly, downtown has its challenges—particularly when it comes to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. But these problems are not solved through state takeovers. They require thoughtful investment and coordinated services.

Here’s the reality: Crime is down in downtown year over year—17% alone from 2023 to 2024—which reflects the impact of coordinated investments, community partnerships, residents, city agencies and, yes, local law enforcement. Downtown also remains one of the safest areas of the city in terms of violent crime.

Of course, there is work to do, especially related to housing instability and behavioral health. But these problems will not be solved by a state takeover. They require continued investment in affordable housing, housing for those experiencing homelessness, mental health services, youth engagement and community-based safety programs. They also call for meaningful collaborations between the city and the state, one of the most significant of which is the creation of the Economic Enhancement District, which brought state and local stakeholders together to support public safety, cleanliness and beautification. This kind of partnership reflects what real problem-solving looks like.

And while perception matters, so do facts. The Mile Square continues to be a center of growth—from the construction of the Signia Hotel to the redevelopment of the former jail sites to plans for Circle Centre Mall, downtown is attracting new development, new residents, new investment and momentum to the heart of the city. These are not signs of a city in crisis. They’re proof of a city on the rise.

As City-County Council president, I hear directly from residents and businesses. Their concerns for downtown? More housing. More access to mental health care. What I rarely hear is that we need less local control or more politics in policing.

The truth is, Indianapolis doesn’t need interference—it needs investment. And instead of undermining local governance, we should be building on its strengths. We need to protect the gains we’ve made, deepen collaboration and continue building a city that works for all its people.

Let’s not allow political narratives to override progress or false narratives to distract us from what still needs to be done.•

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Osili, a Democrat, is president of the Indianapolis City-County Council. Send comments to [email protected].

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