- What number do I call in case of an emergency?
- As always, continue to call 9-1-1.
- For non-emergencies, call 327-3811
- What will be the name of the department?
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
- Why is the change taking place?
A new world-class police department means a more efficient, more flexible and overall better police force to serve and protect the citizens of Indianapolis and Marion County.
- How will the merger impact the number of officers on the streets?
The combined force will result in 137 additional officers patrolling the streets by 2008, without removing patrol officers from the center city.
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Will community policing & Crime Watch programs continue?
- Yes. Community Resource Officer and a Crime Watch Specialist have been appointed for each new district.
- The Community Resource Officer is a sworn police officer who will be the primary contact for neighborhood associations, schools, churches and other neighborhood-based organizations. The Crime Watch Specialist will continue to coordinate neighborhood-based crime prevention efforts in each district.
- In addition, a central Crime Watch Coordinator will work to coordinate Crime Watch efforts countywide.
- Will anyone lose their jobs as a result of the merger?
No.
- How are the districts/patrols affected? Are they changing? Getting smaller, bigger, moving?
An increase of 22 beats will provide township residents enhanced police coverage to the county, without removing any patrol officers from the center city.
- What will they be called officers or deputies?
Officers.
- If the departments are merging, why did we recently elect a Sheriff?
Under the Indiana Constitution, every county must elect a Sheriff. The new IMPD will be overseen by the direction of the elected Sheriff, so voters will still have accountability over the department.
- Who will head the merged department?
Current Indianapolis Police Department Chief of Police Michael Spears, a 24-year veteran, has been appointed the new Chief for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Chief Spears will report to Sheriff Frank Anderson, a former U.S. Marshal who has spent his entire career as a peace officer protecting his fellow citizens, enforcing our nation's laws and keeping our families and neighborhoods safe.
- Will the uniforms and badges change?
Yes.
Click HERE to see the new uniforms and badges.
- Will the look of the vehicles change?
Yes. The new cars will be dark grey with the new badge on the side. These vehicles will be phased in over the next few years. The existing white IPD and tan Sheriff vehicles will still exist, but will display the new IMPD logo on the sides.
Click HERE to see the new vehicles.
- If everyone is calling 9-1-1, will the response time be affected?
No. 9-1-1 was already the countywide emergency number before the merger, and that won't change after consolidation.
- Will any district offices change?
The locations are as follows:
- Downtown District: 25 W. 9th St.
- North District: 3120 E. 30th St.
- Northeast District: 3229 N. Shadeland Ave.
- Northwest District: 3821 Industrial Blvd.
- Southwest District: 551 N. King Ave.
- Southeast District: 1150 S. Shelby St.
- Should I expect to see patrols more or less than I currently do?
By streamlining top brass and supervisory positions more patrol officer positions will be created, allowing for more officers to be put in the townships without taking them from the old city limits.
- How much will this save taxpayers annually?
The merger will save local taxpayers an estimated $9 million annually.
