Murder Numbers Down But Surge In Violence Condemned By Local Leaders

After years of an increasing rate of homicides in Indianapolis, 2019 ended with a slight decline in the number of wrongful deaths. Still, some public safety leaders say not enough is being done to decrease overall violence and its causes.

Indianapolis saw seven fewer homicides in 2019, compared to a record-high 178 in 2018.  President of the Ten Point Coalition, Rev. Charles Harrison says it’s not enough.
 
"There is a discount with the numbers that are being reported and how people feel in the neighborhoods," says Harrison. 
 
Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Synder says a recent surge in violence includes nonfatal shootings and stabbings. He says a combination of factors is to blame.  
 
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the midst of a perfect storm of an overburdened criminal justice system that’s compounded by a mental health crisis and an opioid epidemic," says Synder.

Snyder says the first thing that needs to happen is a public acknowledgment. 

"When will our leaders in our community rise up and say that this violence is unacceptable and then place a focus on the need for acts of intervention and prevention," says Snyder. 

In a written statement addressing the reduction in the murders and homicides in 2019, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett says he is committed to violence reduction. 

"Bolstering efforts led by community-based organizations addressing violence, growing our police force, tackling the root causes of crime, and returning to beat policing," says Hogsett.

The FOP announced recommendations that include a review of current "catch and release" policies, a better public database to track violence crimes, and state-level criminal code reform to address overcrowding.