ZIONSVILLE — It has been named one of the safest cities in Indiana — and even the country — but police in Zionsville are building a new crime reduction unit for the community of nearly 29,000 people.
It’s called SAFE, which stands for Strategically Applied Focus and Enforcement.
“We are a safe community. We understand that. But the goal is always no crime; not low crime, it’s no crime," said Zionsville police Sgt. Joshua Samuelson.
The department began planning the unit four months ago after noticing a slight, but steady uptick in crime trends over the last five years.
“We’re a microcosm of the greater central Indiana area, so if we’re seeing increases in other areas — Carmel, anything in Hamilton County, Indianapolis — we have to assume it’s eventually going to get to us," said Zionsville police Capt. Drake Sterling.
SAFE focuses on three areas: crimes against persons, property crimes and acting as a liaison to other agencies. It will utilize both uniformed and plainclothes officers, as well as flexibility in schedules.
"It's really just a means to deter and keep Zionsville the safest it can be," said Sterling.
Sterling said all costs of personnel, training and equipment for SAFE are covered under the current budget.
Over the last five years, several rankings have put Zionsville in the top safest cities in the U.S. In 2020, the FBI reported there were 379 total offenses in Zionsville.
The goal of SAFE, police say, is to make the community even safer.
"There's nothing wrong with making a safe community safer," Samuelson said.
Zionsville police say they've looked to neighboring departments with similar units, like Fishers. Officials would not disclose how many officers will be assigned to SAFE, but selection is already underway, with specialized training slated to start soon after.
SAFE could launch in Zionsville as early as May.
-
ISP trooper vehicle struck by suspected impaired driver on I-65 near 38th Street
An Indiana State Trooper was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries after his patrol vehicle was struck by a suspected impaired driver on I-65 near 38th Street Wednesday.
Indiana adds to celebration as basketball team beats Purdue
Indiana Hoosiers fans got their dream doubleheader Tuesday night. First, they watched college football’s new national champions take one more victory lap.
Multiple summer concerts announced for Indianapolis area
Get ready to dust off your concert calendars – summer 2026 is shaping up to be music to Indianapolis' ears with a star-studded lineup heading to area venues.
Bill requiring DCS home visits before case closures advances
House Bill 1036 would require DCS caseworkers to conduct an in-person visit before they can close a case. The legislation passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
