Hogsett Wants To Put 150 More Cops On Indianapolis Streets

INDIANAPOLIS -- Democrat Joe Hogsett is calling for a return to neighborhood policing by hiring 150 more cops.

Hogsett says by boosting Indianapolis Metropolitan Police ranks above 1,700 by the end of his first term, if elected mayor, the city will be able to combat what he calls a crime epidemic.

"So that every neighborhood knows its police officer and every police officer knows its neighborhood," said Hogsett.

Hogsett laid out his public safety ideas during a lofty speech to supporters inside the lobby of the old city hall downtown. Speaking passionately, the former federal prosecutor even quoted scripture.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God," he said, going on to state that peace must be made.

Hogsett’s campaign say the increase in uniformed officers would be funded through a number of measures. One would be to reshuffle income tax revenue. Another would be finding savings through the construction of a new criminal justice center.

Hogsett says he would also build more street lights, increase re-entry services and have a data-driven approach to crime reduction. He would also boost summer youth employment programs.

"Our summer jobs plan will come at no cost to tax payers. And this time next year, there will be at least 1,000 young people at work in all four corners of this great city," he said.

Hogsett is running against Republican Chuck Brewer to replace Mayor Greg Ballard, who is retiring.