Downtown Indy feels safer, but danger remains
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In the wake of a recent weekend of violence in Indianapolis, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said that kind of behavior does not define the Circle City.
Why it matters: New data suggests a growing number of downtown residents agree with him.
Driving the news: Downtown Indy Alliance's latest perception survey polling nearly 2,200 residents found that 57% of respondents said they felt downtown was safe, a slight increase from the 56% who said the same in last year's report.
What they're saying: "Downtown remains the heart and soul of our city and continues to be one of our safest neighborhoods," Bailey told Axios, noting that IMPD officers maintain a constant presence in the area on foot, bike, car and horseback.
- "We're also investing in smarter tools like public safety cameras, mobile trailer cameras and license plate readers to prevent crime, generate leads and hold offenders accountable," he said.
Yes, but: The survey means that more than 40% of respondents still disagree, and residents like Antonio Powell say feeling safe isn't the same as living without danger.
- "I feel safe going to bars (and restaurants) and games down here … but I still keep in mind that anything can happen in the heat of the moment. And it (can) happen quick," the near west side resident told Axios.
- "People are frustrated, and they bring that anger outside."
Zoom in: Indianapolis has had to spend the summer balancing declining violent crime numbers with bursts of violence that have marred that progress.
- Tony Lopez, deputy director of violence reduction of the city's Office of Public Health and Safety, said people choosing to reach for weapons in the kind of heated moments of anger Powell describes remains a difficult problem for law enforcement and public safety organizations to plan for.
- "Trying to enjoy yourselves at night in our community is something that should be allowed," he said. "We're being affected by conflicts not being resolved in the right ways."
Zoom out: Lopez said the key to making even more people feel safe downtown is addressing the root causes of violence, and working closely with grassroots groups that are committed to making their city stronger.
- "For me, it's keeping the hope that our community is better than this," he said. "We are seeing numbers down, but we're still seeing way too many people affected and lost to gun violence."
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