INDIANAPOLIS -- The massacre in Orlando has sounded alarms here in Indianapolis.
IMPD says a number of bars and entertainment venues have reached out with concerns about safety and security.
Police have been meeting with bar owners in their districts, especially downtown and in Broad Ripple.
On Massachusetts Avenue, the terror in Orlando has cast a long shadow on night life.
"I think that it hit home just because it happened in an LGBT night club, and we are one of the biggest in Indiana," said Chet Vanwye, manager of the Metro Nightclub. "And that's where it kind of took our breath away.
Downtown presents the most unique policing challenge of any district in the city. It's a residential area by day, an entertainment venue by night and a tourist destination around the clock.
Over the past five years, the residential population has grown from 17,000 – 24,000 people. And by 2018, it's projected to grow to 33,000 residents.
"On the upper floors of an entertainment venue may actually be condos and apartments, so we have to blend the needs of both our residents and visitors in making sure everyone feels safe and secure and gets their needs met," said IMPD Downtown Commander Chad Knecht.
Downtown also has a robust convention business. Last year, the city set a record for attracting 27 million visitors, who spent a record $4.5 billion. Downtown Indy Inc. has a communications network that keeps hundreds of businesses in the security loop.
"One of our officers was working a few weeks ago and apprehended a man who was passing counterfeit $100 bills," said Bettye Dobkins, of Downtown Indy. "And we passed that on to our partners so they could be aware of counterfeit money they may have received."
Metro police and nightclub owners have not ignored the loud wakeup call out of Orlando. And while no one can stop every determined gunman, police in Indianapolis are determined to try.
