IMPD Outlines Summer Celebration Security Plans

The Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration wraps up this weekend and Indianapolis Police say they are stepping up patrols both downtown and in Broad Ripple.

The annual event has been mostly problem free the last few years and has been safe, so far, during its first few days this year.

But, with the city’s recent spike in violent crime, IMPD says it’s ramping up efforts for the weekend, just as with any well attended event.

Commander Karen Arnett says the department’s recent strategy for the Summer Celebration has worked successfully and officers will build on that this weekend.

"We utilize what we call our Strike Team.  These are officers on foot.  I have 20 officers who are specifically on bicycles who will be down there, as well as through Homeland Security.  They have officers who will be on mounted patrol," said Arnett.  "We have our tactical unit.  So, we designate a lot of resources to this event, as well as any other event that is to this level."

Downtown, officers will work overtime at Circle Center Mall and Arnett says they will have a strong police presence there.

Chief Rick Hite says the department’s message to the community is come to the Summer Celebration with a spirit of peace.

"We are taking it very seriously.  It is a pride of a nation.  Other cities have stopped having events like this because of the violence," said Hite.  "We are convinced that Expo for the past three years has been very safe.  People come with the right spirit and we don't expect any less this year.  But, if you do come down and you do act up, be prepared to be arrested."

There also is a focus on Broad Ripple in the wake of a shooting two weeks ago where seven people were injured.

North District Commander Tom Koppel says extra cameras will be utilized, but also that the community needs to assist in patrols.

"We just like to encourage, not only people to call when they see something, because those people who live in the neighborhood know when something is up," he said.  "We encourage businesses to make sure they adequately staff security for these events.  If you have a special event that you bring in, you should have the adequate security staff to help cover that and that's your responsibility."

Chief Hite says the department has shown it is willing to shed blood to keep the city safe and adds that local, state, and federal law enforcement partners share the same commitment.

"If people let apathy and let the bad guys think they are going to win and do absolutely nothing and not get engaged in your crime watch and your neighborhoods, not reporting if you see something and say something, and you don't do that, then, yea, a lot worse can happen," said Hite.  "I believe in my heart of hearts and my experience having been here now almost four years, that the people of Indianapolis are better than that."

"IMPD is just that good. We are willing to put our lives on the line.  We've shown that we are willing to shed blood for this city."

The Summer Celebration runs through Sunday.