Proposal To Change IMPD General Orders Committee Advances

A Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee advanced a proposal Tuesday to add community voices to a General Orders Committee for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. 

The new configuration would replace the existing three member General Orders Committee by adding four civilians to examine and determine policies and procedures used by IMPD, including use of force.

Councilor Crista Carlino (D) co-authored the proposal and said it does not strip power away from leaders.

"The chief appoints two members of the general orders board," Carlino said. "The chief is still able to maintain ultimate control over his department and the day to day operations."

IMPD Chief Randal Taylor testified in general support, but objected to adding a civilian majority to the committee.

Republican Council members, including Paul Annee, voted against the board in part because it wouldn’t allow police family members.

"This proposal would seek to make our law enforcement families second class citizens," Annee said. 

Councilor Keith Graves (D) says this is only a small step in police reform.

"We’re not taking over anything, we’re not defunding anything, we’re asking that our civilian
members of the community partner with law enforcement," Graves said. 

Members of the General Orders Committee must undergo training in use of force, biased training and general IMPD curriculum training.

Prominent Indianapolis businesses including Eli Lilly and Cummins, and community groups, spoke
in support of the proposal.

The proposal heads to the full council with a "do pass" recommendation.