Mayor Ballard, Public Safety Officials Detail Crime Fighting Efforts

Chief of Police Announces Early Morning Warrant Sweep; Public Safety Director Discusses Strategies to Keep our Neighborhoods Safe

Mayor Greg Ballard, Public Safety Director Frank Straub, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief Paul Ciesielski and neighborhood and community leaders gathered today to announce an early-morning warrant sweep and street-focused strategies to fighting crime.

Compared to 2009, crime in Indianapolis is down three percent—with some categories, including armed robberies and car jackings, down double-digits.

“As long as I am Mayor, we will not waver in our fight against crime,” declared Mayor Ballard. “We owe the citizens of Indianapolis nothing less. But our fight needs your vigor and your vigilance. We must have the energetic and courageous support and assistance of the people of Indianapolis.”

While one of the purposes of the news conference was to inform the public about a warrant sweep conducted in the early hours before the news conference, Director Straub addressed the broader issue of public safety in Indianapolis.

“The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is committed to a policing paradigm that will fight crime and violence on all fronts,” said Director Straub. “We will relentlessly pursue habitual offenders, their illegal activities, and restore safety to challenged neighborhoods. At the same time, we will partner with the community, ministers, schools, public health and other officials to address the underlying causes of crime and violence.”

IMPD Chief Ciesielski spoke directly about the need for the warrant sweep:

"Today's city-wide sweep symbolizes the kick off of a renewed effort to reduce crime in this city. The police department will not only intensify its enforcement, but its commitment to working with the community. We need everyone to get involved to make a difference."

Mayor Ballard also mentioned the community crime prevention grants that have been issued the past two years, and his belief that these grants have a positive effect on crime and the youth of Indianapolis. Community leaders Reverend Charles Harrison of the Ten Point Coalition and Reverend Melvin Jackson of Westside Ministries attended the news conference as well.

“We will continue to work with neighborhood leaders. We will continue to use the community crime prevention grants to attack problems such as domestic violence and to foster an atmosphere of peace and cooperation with our public safety officers,” stated Mayor Ballard.