INDIANAPOLIS — There's a renewed push to get more citizens to consider a career in law enforcement.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's second annual Join IMPD Week runs from June 6-10. The week features events highlighting the department's recruitment process with a goal of educating the community about the department and hiring process.
As of June 1, IMPD says the department is short about 200 officers.
"Come and talk to us, let us run you through what's expected, the kind of training we're going to give you and let's see if that fits," IMPD Chief Randal Taylor said. "For some it may not fit, but I think for a lot of people, the majority of them, I think they're going to realize this is exactly what they're looking for."
Officers earn over $75,000 after 24 months, get paid during the academy, receive overtime pay, health insurance, a pension plan and college incentive pay. IMPD is recruiting now for its 26th Recruit Class, which will begin in March 2023.
New officers will receive a $5,000 bonus for joining the department. The first payment is made when the recruit graduates the academy, and the second is done after successful completion of their probationary year.
Current officers or professional staff employees who refer a new recruit will receive $2,500. The first payment of $1,250 is when the new recruit starts the academy and the second $1,250 payment is paid when the recruit graduates the academy.
READ: IMPD recruit requirements
"It's a tough job, I'll admit [that] but really in reality and in life, the things that are worth the most are the things that are tougher, the things you have to work for," Taylor said. "We're open to finding those people who will step out on that."
All events are open to the public and include:
Monday, June 6
- Coffee with a Recruiter from 12-3 p.m. at the Starbucks at 71st and Binford, 6920 Lake Plaza Drive
- City County Council will recognize Join IMPD Week during its meeting at 7 p.m. in the Public Assembly Room.
Tuesday, June 7
- Deputy Mayor Thomas and Chief Taylor to speak at the IMPD PAR ( Pre-Academy Readiness) at the IMPD Training Academy, located at 901 N. Post Road. The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 8
IMPD will hold "Tea with a Recruiter" from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Tea’s Me Café, 3967 N. Illinois St.
Thursday, June 9
- “Start your adventure with IMPD” at the Indianapolis Zoo under the Pavilion from 12-4 p.m.
Friday, June 10
- The IMPD Recruiting Unit will be volunteering at the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics at Victory Field from 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- IMPD will also attend the Westside Chamber of Commerce Job Fair from 10-2 p.m. at the Pike Freshman Center, 6801 Zionsville Road.
- At dusk, Monument Circle will be lit blue for IMPD
Click here for more information on becoming a police officer with IMPD.
-
IU Health launches choir program to help patients with Parkinson's Disease
IU Health is piloting a new program designed to help patients with Parkinson's. The Parkinson's choir helps strengthen their voices.
'Awaken Christmas Outreach' helps hundreds of families get fresh groceries
A partnership with the Dream Center Indianapolis and the Indiana Department of Child Services made sure hundreds of Hoosier families had fresh groceries on Tuesday.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun reflects on first year, outlines priorities for 2026
Indiana Governor Mike Braun is wrapping up his first year in office. WRTV sat down with him to discuss what his administration accomplished in 2025 — and his priorities for the year ahead.
How Duke Energy crews keep the power on during extreme cold in Hendricks County
With extreme cold settling into central Indiana, Duke Energy is reminding customers to prepare for potential power outages and to know where to turn if they need help staying warm.
