INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis police chief Troy Riggs is not only spreading the word about community policing, but he is becoming an active participant in the model.
The chief joined the newest members of the department on a 3-mile run along the downtown canal Thursday.
“This is your city. This is the city you're responsible for protecting,” Riggs told the recruits.
He said being out in the community for events such as the run, shows the police and everyday people working together.
RELATED | IMPD plans to return to beat system
Mayor Joe Hogsett proposed a budget on Monday that would include funding for two new recruit classes, adding 31 new officers to the streets if passed.
The proposed budget will give the department $5 million more than what is currently allotted, which will help focus on the community policing model and other needs such as body cameras and police cruisers.
The run also included community members who showed up to support the department.
“It starts with trust, and I think that if the community sees them out there, knocking on doors and introducing themselves as human beings to people, people will call when they see something," said Anna Levitt with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
MORE | IMPD debuts new 'beat' policing map
Riggs said he will continue to focus on building relationships through the neighborhood beat system.
"The biggest challenge right now is making sure with the money we're allotted, we can deal with all the changes people expect from law enforcement: new technology, new types of training, the additional officers as well," he said.
In 2015 the department identified six high-crime focus areas that represent just five percent of the city’s population but account for large amounts of crime.
PREVIOUS | DPS targets 6 high-crime Indy neighborhoods
Andre Miller’s barber shop is located in one of the focus areas at 16th Street and Tibbs Avenue.
He said he feels comfortable at his business but keeps a strict “appointment only” policy for safety reasons.
Police can often be seen driving in the area, but Miller said he’d be interested in seeing more walking in the area.
"We need it. Everybody wants to be safe," he said.
