Ten Point Coalition Expands To Indy's East Side

The Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition, a faith-based group that works to reduce violent crime, is expanding its efforts.

Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill announced last summer his office would fund new Ten Point coalitions across the state. Hill announced Tuesday the first batch of that seed money – $50,000 – will kickstart a program on Indianapolis' far east side.

Ten Point is known for its street-level engagement, particularly through safety patrols in high-crime areas.

Hill says neighborhoods like Crown Hill have seen decreases in violent crime because of the group's work. And he says its expansion comes at a critical time, as Indianapolis is set to surpass its homicide record before the end of the year.

"The east side of Indianapolis has been hit particularly hard," Hill says. "And it’s our belief that this type of engagement, engagement by the faith community, by the neighborhood associations, will be an active success story here."

The Attorney General's office set up a total of $500,000 for Ten Point expansions. Hill says his office is working to form new partnerships around the state, including a program in Gary.