INDIANAPOLIS — This week has seen a major uptick in deadly violence. It's been a major problem Indianapolis hasn't been able to conquer.
Mayor Joe Hogsett and public safety officials detailed their summer violence prevention efforts for the year on Wednesday.
Some programs include simply keeping kids busy this summer with jobs and job training. The city's Office of Public Health and Safety is also looking to hire two peacekeepers specifically to help identify and help at-risk juveniles to reduce crime. The Boys and Girls Club near Post Road has agreed to stay open late on Fridays to give kids something positive to do.
At Wednesday's event, 9-year-old Elijah Boyd shared a poem he wrote about choosing love over hate.
"If you see no love in your city, be thoughtful and find a way to find love in people. No one can stop you from stopping hate in the world. Love, not fear, hashtag no hate here. Love is good. Love is great. Everyone needs it," Boyd read.
Boyd is a student at Lakeside Elementary School in Warren Township. IMPD chief Bryan Roach said Boyd has been inspiring to the department.
