Legislation debated in an Indiana Senate committee Thursday would ban local governments from ever decreasing police or fire department budgets, unless there's a revenue shortfall.

Two Indiana State Senators filed a bill that would create a state board to oversee the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Many Indianapolis organizations, public and private, hope to lower violent crime by addressing root causes. These groups mentor, feed people, increase employment opportunities, reduce homelessness and connect those in need with mental health services. This series reports on their work, their funding and their ongoing challenges.

Public health and criminal justice officials say improving the police's relationship with the community isn't possible without addressing mental health -- both with law enforcement and the people they serve.

The Department of Justices Project Safe Neighborhoods announced grants for programs that target community outreach, gun crime reduction and data improvement.

The device called the SoToxa Mobile Test System is a handheld analyzer that uses an oral fluid swab to detect the presence of drugs.

A new online portal aims to increase the transparency of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department processes for the public.

The forum was organized by several community organizations, including the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association and the Indianapolis Recorder.

The Indianapolis City-County Council's Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee advanced a proposal that will add community voices to a General Orders Committee for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Safety ambassadors are part of a new initiative to improve downtown public safety efforts.