Members of the General Assembly join Central Indiana mayors & police chiefs for third public safety summit meeting

The third iteration of the Regional Mayors’ Public Safety Partnership Summit took place Thursday morning, Sept. 17, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where Central Indiana mayors, police chiefs, and members of the Indiana General Assembly discussed gaps and barriers in the legal system and how each pillar of government can help close those gaps to prevent crime.

Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, and Marion counties were represented by their mayors along with several police chiefs.

Finkam

“Public safety doesn’t stop at a city or county line, and neither do the gaps in our justice system,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said. “When repeat offenders cycle back into our neighborhoods, it tells us that something fundamental isn’t working. Our goal is to collaborate to pinpoint these gaps and ensure real accountability … We’re trying to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. We’ll keep working together to maintain this momentum and deliver results. We still have work ahead, but we hope to have tangible progress to show in this legislative session.”

Conversation focused on data-driven safety strategies and emerging technology. Attendees discussed collaborative initiatives, such as a data-sharing software pilot program aimed at improving inter-agency communication, strengthening collaboration and information sharing and finding general tools for law enforcement to stop habitual offenders.

“It is imperative that different perspectives are brought to the table when discussing how we can ensure our criminal justice system works effectively,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “I am grateful for the members of the Indiana General Assembly who joined this month’s Regional Mayors’ Public Safety Meeting to bring their viewpoint as state legislators. Their collaboration and shared commitment to keeping our Central Indiana communities safe is greatly appreciated.”

The next Regional Mayors’ Public Safety Partnership Summit meeting will focus on compiling information and recommendations from the series to be shared with the public.