City Officials Address Record Homicide Numbers

Indianapolis officials and community leaders gathered Tuesday to address record breaking violence across the city. 

Indianapolis marked 187 homicides this week, with more than two and a half months to go in the year. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor said the numbers are outrageous.

"When you are hovering around 40 murders more this time this year than what we had last year, obviously we aren’t doing enough," Taylor said. 

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett emphasized efforts the city put in place to prevent and address violent crime.

"Both through traditional policing methods, like community based beat policing and through grass roots organizations working to address the root causes of violence," said Hogsett. 

The event was held on the city’s east side at an apartment complex where a recent crime prevention grant recipient set up an office to reach more residents. Community Action of Greater Indianapolis works with partners to identify people in need of emotional regulation training or employment placement.

Officials say the pandemic compounded systemic issues that lay the foundation for violence.

Indianapolis City-County Council President Vop Osili says there are many reasons some turn to violence including poverty and trauma.

"Violence is a complex problem and there are not easy solutions," Osili said, "and to suggest otherwise would do a grave disservice to the people of this city."

Earlier this year the city increased funding for the Gun Violence Interruption program that aims to identify those most at risk of gun violence.