INDIANAPOLIS -- When the two bodies were found on Indianapolis' northeast side Wednesday afternoon, it scared many members of the community. One person, who's lived in the area for decades, said he's thinking about leaving.
That's why Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Troy Riggs and some of his command walked the streets Thursday afternoon near 30th Street and Gladstone Avenue, in the same area where 23-year-old Mack Taylor and 24-year-old Alexander Brown were found.
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"We want to do everything to make sure they feel safe and that they feel comfortable living here," Riggs said.
The neighborhood looked like it had been beaten up over the years, with overgrown weeds along the road, and buildings falling apart.
The people who live in the area stood outside their homes, welcoming police to the neighborhood and wanting the violence to end.
One man who said he's lived in there for years can remember the area being worse than it is now.
Police are working on getting those who weren't outside their houses to talk to them.
"There are some people who feel uncomfortable talking to police at any time," Riggs said. "We need to earn their respect."
He stresses building relationships with the community. "Day by day, we're earning the respect of the people of the community."
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Riggs recommended people in the community get the cell number of the officers walking the neighborhood to connect with them.
"I've heard the fear," he said. "What we've tried to do is empower them -- tell them how they can get involved."
He also reiterated the department's mission to help people with mental health issues.
It's the department's job to not only police the crimes in Indianapolis, but to also keep the peace in the area.
"Lives are destroyed in a homicide," Riggs said. "Families and communities can be destroyed as well."
If you have any information regarding a crime, please contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477. You can also text “INDYCS” plus your tip to 274637. Your tip can be reported anonymously.
Watch Chief Riggs' complete conversation with RTV6's Rafael Sanchez above.
