INDIANAPOLIS — Faith leaders joined IMPD, the Marion County Public Health Department and others Saturday for a conversation about how crime and COVID-19 are related.
"When our children aren't safe to go to some of our friendly neighborhood stores, or skating, or the museums [or] Chuck-E-Cheese, that's an issue for me," Tamara Harris, founder of Smart Family Development, said.
Harris organized the town hall. She's lost loved ones to COVID and violence and knows she's not the only one.
"Our streets are crying out, and it's time to get involved," Harris said. "People's hearts are heavy. They're afraid to leave out of their homes."
Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine joined IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams along with other community leaders and residents to talk about a variety of topics, from mental health to community-police relations.
"We believe we are a part of the solution. But there has to be folks that are in this space from mental health, to poverty, to education, to faith based, in order to holistically address the issue of crime in our communities," Adams said. "We're never going to stop violence if we don't address these root causes of the issue."
Caine hopes the town hall leads to her agency and others collaborating to address those issues.
-
Suspect arrested in connection with April shooting on Indy's near east side
Indianapolis police arrested a suspect over two months after a warrant was issued in a near east side shooting that left a victim critically injured.
Is your car ready for the heat? Indiana mechanics say check these things now
Extreme heat is putting stress on vehicles across Indiana, and local auto shops are bracing for more breakdowns as temperatures climb.
Heatwave holds on with another day in the 90s
Another day with high heat and humidity across parts of Indiana. Our pattern begins to shift a little and brings us more rain chances for the end of the week into the holiday weekend.
Indianapolis EMS director sees surge in calls during heat wave
Due to the extreme heat, Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services has seen a spike in heat-related calls. People are encouraged to check on their neighbors and loved ones.
