Downtown Indianapolis is one of the country's safest urban areas
Indianapolis has a reputation as one of the safest Downtowns in the United States, and recent statistics indicate that it remains safe. With more than 17 million visits to Downtown's top attractions, less than 2,200 Part 1 crimes occurred in 2006. In fact, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) statistics indicate 270 fewer Part 1 crimes in 2006, an 11 percent decrease compared to 2005 and 14 percent decrease since 1998. In addition, IDI's 2006 Downtown Perception Survey showed that 72 percent of central Indiana residents indicate that Downtown is safe.
Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. (IDI) has formed a number of partnerships and programs with the public and private sectors to keep Downtown safe including:
- IDI Bike and Walking Patrols
- IDI Downtown Security Partnership
- IDI Safety Email Network
Bike and Walking Patrols add police presence
The IDI Bike and Walking Patrols began in May 1995 to augment IMPD's presence on Downtown streets and sidewalks. Staffed by off-duty IMPD, IUPUI, State Capitol Police, Indianapolis Housing Police, Marion County Sheriff's Department and other Marion County law enforcement agencies, the patrols provide a customer-friendly and visible police presence that enhances consumer confidence in public safety. The officers deter crime and act as Downtown ambassadors by providing assistance to visitors.
In 2006, IDI Bike and Walking Patrol officers:
- Provided 7,814 patrol hours, 9,094 parking lot and garage patrols, 4,128 security partner contacts and 16,879 visitor contacts.
- Assisted IPD (now IMPD) with 492 police runs and 22 arrests.
- Distributed thousands of Downtown maps and gave directions to thousands of Downtown visitors.
Downtown Security Partnership good public-private safety team
The IDI Downtown Security Partnership is designed to enhance coordination among IMPD and Downtown security resources. The program links approximately 500 security and police personnel, 43 organizations and 200 buildings with IMPD. Participants proactively take on additional patrolling responsibilities outside their buildings and act as extra sets of eyes and ears for police. Participants of this Downtown "crime watch" communicate instantly with police and each other via radio and the internet. They also meet regularly to address safety and security issues.
Safety Email Network provides timely information
The IDI Safety Email Network is a public safety awareness and crime prevention program linking more than 175 businesses via email. Network members and other IDI partners are regularly informed about street closings, high traffic volume events, security advisories and safety tips.
Tracking crime statistics proactively addresses crime
IMPD and IDI track crime statistics in Downtown to proactively address crime trends. Based upon on-going analysis of the statistics, public and private sector safety resources are allocated to meet security challenges that are identified. In this way, crime is addressed before it becomes a problem.
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Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. exists to improve Downtown. It is action-oriented and addresses critical issues that affect Downtown's growth and well-being. IDI focuses on three areas: development, management and marketing.
Updated 5/07
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