INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis police welcomed dozens of new recruits this week, even as the city's homicide rate continued to rise.
After a record number of homicides last year, criminal homicides in 2016 are already outpacing 2015.
IMPD swore in 33 new recruits Monday – 29 men and four women of different ethnicities and races who will soon become the newest officers on the street.
"This class looks like Indianapolis, and that is precisely what the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department aspires to be," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "A police force that reflects the community it takes its oath to protect and serve.'
IMPD Chief Troy Riggs told his new recruits that the task at hand is to reduce crime and the fear of crime.
There's work to be done on that front. At this point last year, there were 44 homicides. Already this year there have been 53.
MAPS | 2016 Indianapolis Homicides | 2015 Indianapolis Homicides
"Even though the fear of violence is out there, you need a good support system and to have faith in what you're doing and the people who are training you," said IMPD recruit Iris Farries.
From here, the recruits will embark on roughly 1,000 hours of training, followed by another 20 weeks of training in the field.
