After 4 years, Indiana fully embraces text-to-911 in emergencies
Residents in all 92 of the state's counties can now send texts during emergencies if they're unable to speak to dispatchers.
Public Safety
Articles
Indianapolis official announces halt to merit board changes
The Indianapolis City-County Council president has halted plans to revamp the city's civilian police merit board in the wake of its recent vote clearing two officers of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black motorist.
Several issues unresolved as General Assembly nears ending point
Still left to address is legislation involving school safety programs, professional licensing for young immigrants referred to as “Dreamers,” sex education, school takeovers, handgun fees and workforce development leadership.
Indiana lawmakers put finishing touches on gun rights legislation
Law enforcement groups voiced serious concerns about the bill because license fees are a major source of funding for training, including active shooter response training.
Indiana House approves statewide school-safety audit
The measure passed Monday on a 96-0 vote. It comes in the wake of a Parkland, Florida, school shooting that left 17 dead.
Lawmakers backpedal on some gun legislation in wake of mass shooting
Gun-related legislation became a political football after a high-profile school shooting in Florida last month, with Republicans eliminating some efforts to loosen firearms laws and Democrats calling for more gun control.
More concerns raised about Indiana’s child welfare agency
The Indiana Department of Child Services faces serious challenges, according to preliminary findings released in a report Thursday by a state consultant.
White House considering Indiana law as way to curb gun violence
The Trump administration is reviewing the idea of using restraining orders known as red flag laws to take firearms away from people considered dangerous. Officials are studying an Indiana version of the law.
Indiana gun-permit bill sees more scrutiny in wake of Florida shooting
Democrats objected to a proposal approved by an Indiana Senate committee Wednesday that would eliminate fees and make changes to the handgun licensing process.
Bloomington police face criticism for armored truck purchase
Opponents argue that the vehicle will militarize the college town’s police force.
Former IMPD chief Riggs gets another new job—this time in Denver
A press release from the city stated that Troy Riggs joined the Denver Department of Public Safety last year as deputy director—a role he must have had for just a quick stint, considering he listed the Sagamore Institute as his job on Linkedin until November.
Indiana House backs bill eliminating handgun licensing fee
Under the proposal, anyone wanting to legally carry a handgun in public would still be required to undergo a background check before obtaining a state permit, but the lifetime licensing fees would be eliminated.
Council OKs $55M for initial justice center construction
The unanimous vote also gave approval for the city to spend $4.2 million to acquire 140 acres of land from Citizens Energy Group as the site for the new jail, courthouses and mental health center.
Bill to regulate autonomous vehicle use moves forward
House Bill 1341 allows people to operate automated vehicles on public highways but only under certain conditions. Critics, including auto manufacturers, said the bill would stifle innovation.
Council panel OKs spending $55M for some justice center construction costs
The same proposal also authorizes the city to spend $4.2 million for the acquisition of 140 acres of land from Citizens Energy Group as the site for the new jail, courthouses and mental health center.
Indiana governor pledges ‘transparent’ child agency review
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb vowed in his State of the State address Tuesday night to “do whatever is necessary to ensure the success” of the Department of Child Services.
Indy, other cities possess 2 worlds: one violent, another prosperous
Slayings in Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis are becoming concentrated into small areas where people are dying at a pace not seen in years, if ever. Around them, much of the rest of the city is growing more peaceful, even as the total number of homicides rises.
Indianapolis mayor eyes more officers, anti-crime steps
Indianapolis officials say they’ll continue boosting the size of the city’s police force and expanding support for neighborhood anti-crime efforts in response to a seven-year trend of increasing homicides.
Indiana legislative staff adjust to changes in gun-carrying law
Hundreds of legislative employees can now carry handguns at the Indiana Statehouse and adjacent state office buildings, but with some limitations.
Sessions announces new effort to fight neighborhood crime
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of the Violent Crime Reduction Coordinating Committee during a meeting Monday in Indianapolis with the Ten Point Coalition.