INDIANAPOLIS -- The Greater Indianapolis NAACP issued a statement regarding the fatal shooting of Aaron Bailey by IMPD.
Bailey was shot and killed by two IMPD officers after a traffic stop and brief chase early Thursday morning. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department detectives say no gun was found inside Bailey's vehicle
Greater Indianapolis NAACP President Chrystal Ratcliffe issued the following statement on Friday:
“Use of excessive force by law enforcement officers can no longer be tolerated in our communities. The lack of accountability erodes trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, which impedes the ability to solve crime,” Mrs. Ratcliffe said. “The NAACP is committed to a proactive approach to police shootings and all other forms of police brutality. Our solution to this egregious problem is accountability.
“It is a human and civil rights issue. When there are no systems for accountability, safety is affected and anyone can be a victim. Let Indianapolis be the last time people lose their lives and families are terrorized by a police force without accountability. Law enforcement accountability means safer communities for us all.”
In response to the shooting, the NAACP Indianapolis leadership is calling for:
- A credible investigation into the incident and accountability for the law enforcement officer’s actions.
- Establishment of a civilian review board with subpoena power.
- The U.S. Department of Justice to launch a full criminal and “pattern and practice” investigation into the Indianapolis police force, which has experienced a rash of police shootings in the past 10 years.
- Congress to enact legislation to mandate official standards for and training in the use of force for all law enforcement officers. Congressman John Conyers, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has introduced the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act.
The NAACP Greater Indianapolis Branch believes a civilian review board with subpoena and disciplinary powers can create the necessary accountability for the Indianapolis police force.
“It is important that in conferring with the police, particularly officers with the power to use lethal force, that civilians have a role in determining the standards by which they are policed,” Mrs. Ratcliffe said.
An independent civilian review board affords citizens with an opportunity to engage in that role by providing a venue through which to air grievances, express concerns, and voice recommendations.
RELATED | Man was shot by two officers 'multiple' times | Man killed by IMPD officers was in-and-out of jail, convicted of 14 felonies | IMPD Chief: Officer-involved shooting a 'true test' of relationship between police & community | Daughter of man killed by IMPD: 'We want justice' | Call 6: Warrant issued for man killed by IMPD on the same day he died | Former landlord of Aaron Bailey shares memories, reacts to shooting death | NAACP responds to officer-involved shooting of Aaron Bailey
