Area mayors gather to discuss public safety

Mayors from cities in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, and Shelby counties gathered last Friday, June 26, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis with the goal of improving safety and exploring solutions that benefit residents and visitors.

Other civilian leaders and police chiefs from the cities took part in the Regional Mayors’ Public Safety Partnership Summit.

In collaboration with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett in hosting the summit, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said, “Crime takes a toll on every community. Individuals who commit crimes often move among jurisdictions, creating challenges that no single community can solve alone. As mayors, we are committed to working together to address this critical issue on behalf of those we serve.”

For the initial gathering, the focus was on establishing a shared understanding of regional crime trends and challenges, identifying opportunities to improve operational cooperation among law enforcement agencies focused on repeat offenders and creating a framework for ongoing cooperation. The gathering additionally emphasized information-sharing related to repeat violent offenders and emerging crime trends, as well as developing recommendations regarding legislative and operational policy changes.

Following the meeting, Mayor Finkam described it as a critical first step that will be followed by conversations with prosecutors, judges, and state legislators.

“We had a productive conversation about how we can make our region safer for our residents. Great people with a wealth of experience and responsibility were working together and generating strong ideas,” she said.

The next regional meeting will focus on understanding gaps and barriers in the legal system.