After uptick in officer-involved shootings, IMPD to receive Department of Justice review

The city of Indianapolis has entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to review the recent uptick in officer-involved shootings.

The DOJ will look at data, policies, and practices instituted by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, or IMPD.

In 2023 IMPD recorded 18 officer-involved shootings, the highest in recent years. In 2016 the department recorded 16. In 2018 the department recorded just four.

In a pre-recorded statement with city leaders, IMPD Chief Christopher Bailey said the review would not look into the conduct of individual officers.

“The goal of this study is clear: to identify any patterns or factors that may provide insight into last year's uptick in officer-involved shootings,” he said. 

City officials say the review is being conducted at their request.

“We remain committed to accountability, transparency, and to the safety of every one of our neighbors,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in the recorded statement.

Last year, the lead instructor of IMPD’s de-escalation training told WFYI the uptick may be related to increased resistance from civilians.

“It takes a real commitment to transparency to engage in these types of reviews,” Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer said in a press release announcing the review.

The timeline for the final report is not clear but city officials say the process will “take time.” The report is expected to be made available to the public once it is finalized.