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STATEMENT FROM INDY FOP PRESIDENT ON LATEST VIOLENCE3/8/23
Last night (3/7/2023) Another Person was shot and killed, this time outside of Howe High School.
While the investigation continues, this incident is in a long line of surging violence that is spreading throughout Indianapolis.
In just the past five (5) days, nearly twenty (20) people have been shot and homicides have been reported in Irvington, Downtown outside of Lucas Oil Stadium with an alleged offender running into the Convention Center, and now outside of Howe High School.While politicians talk about “Gun Violence” they are lax to discuss “Criminal Violence” and provide data on outcomes related to crimes involving the use of firearms.This week, the Washington DC Police Chief called for the need to “keep bad guys with guns in jail, because when they’re in jail, they can’t be in the community shooting people.”The FOP calls on Indianapolis political leaders (Mayor, Council, Prosecutor) to state whether they agree with the DC Chief of Police or not and why or why not.Additionally, we call on the Indianapolis Chief of Police to do the same.Time is short as Violence surges.Residents and Officers are stuck in the middle of this violence and they deserve to know where their elected and appointed leaders stand on this issue.RECENT RADIO INTERVIEW(recorded 3/1/23)Indy FOP talks with WIBC about ripple effects of the outer of Chicago's Mayor as a result of Public Safety Priorities.FOP calls on Indy Mayor to start calling out Soft on Crime Prosecutions that embolden Repeat Violent OffendersMESSAGE TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF INDIANAPOLIS FOP 2/13/23
We are aware of media reports of the IMPD Chief’s statement regarding a Settlement by the City announced 2/10/23.
Our FOP had looked forward to this case going to trial and we were confident that a jury would have concurred that Officer Mercer acted appropriately.
As one media report noted in his published statement: “Chief Randal Taylor also said he believes Officer De’Joure Mercer ‘was lawfully defending himself’ during the fatal encounter.”
Also as noted by the Chief, both the internal investigation and the Grand Jury investigation exonerated Officer Mercer.
Although we are mindful of the city’s need to assess the inherent risks of jury verdicts, some cases just need to go to trial to obtain a judgment that acknowledges the risks to the life of an Officer.
We believe the decision to settle in this particular case sets an impractical precedent for police officers, the IMPD, the City of Indianapolis, and ultimately taxpayers.
No one should profit from threatening the safety of the public and endangering the lives of Officers.
©2023 Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 All Rights Reserved. This video, written message, image, or other material is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition without expressed written permission may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution.
STATEMENT FROM INDY FOP ON PROSECUTOR
ELECTION RESULTS 11/9/2022
"Our collective membership respects the voice of the voters of Marion County.
They have spoken and now we will see the outcomes moving forward.
Our rank and file officers and their families have made clear what we see over the horizon.
200+ Homicides annually have become the norm in Indianapolis and violence continues to spread to the surrounding communities as the result of a Revolving Door of Criminal Justice.
Unfortunately, we do not see many improvements without a change in direction to close the door on repeat violent offenders.
Your Officers are going nowhere and will continue to stand the line in the protection of residents and visitors in the neighborhoods we serve.
We will continue to provide voice for the victims.
We pray our system will provide accountability for offenders and justice for the familes.
May God be with our Capital City."
Stay Tuned to the End for Additional InformationINDY POLICE TO HOLD A CONFIDENCE VOTE INDIANAPOLIS – THURSDAY 08/04/2022, the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 announced tonight the FOP membership has directed a Vote of Confidence be convened regarding the Marion County Prosecutor and the Marion County Court System.This move comes on the heels of the murder of a Central Indiana police officer. The suspect arrested has a lengthy criminal history as a habitual serious violent offender who had been previously convicted of shooting at police in Indianapolis, but was released following a lenient modified sentence from a Marion County Judge.This vote also follows several other incidents of failures to act by the Marion County Prosecutor in which several officers and civilians have been critically injured or killed.
Examples include an IMPD Officer who was shot in the throat allegedly by a serious violent offender who was released back onto the streets in violation of his parole and is alleged to have subsequently shot the officer. Additionally, thirteen (13) people shot with eight (8) civilians killed in the FedEx massacre in which it was later found the Prosecutor did not previously submit a filing on the murderer to the courts under the Officer Jake Laird Red Flag law.Indy FOP President, Rick Snyder, shared that rank-and-file members unanimously directed the FOP Executive Board to hold the vote during the month of August. It is anticipated the vote will take place by mid-month.The FOP membership is made up of officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Beech Grove, Speedway, Cumberland, Airport, Southport, IUPUI, University of Indianapolis, Butler, IPS and Township School Police and several other local departments and law enforcement agencies.FACTS MATTER: Indy FOP is shining the light on the failure in Marion County about prior case of shots fired at police (Watch Above)Indianapolis FOP Statement on Coroner Report Today, 7/20/22, public statements regarding the death of Mr. Herman Whitfield III reportedly indicate that the Marion County Coroner listed the manner of death as "homicide", occurring "in the setting of a law enforcement subdual."
First and foremost, the outcome of this incident is a tragedy for all involved and we extend condolences to the family of Mr. Whitfield.
We also recognize the emotional trauma for the officers involved who were called to the scene to intervene and assist during this matter.
We await a full and fair review of the facts surrounding this evolving investigation based on the facts known by those involved at the time of the incident, including the officers on the scene.
Meanwhile, it is important to remember a determination of homicide does not mean the actions of the officers were criminal in nature.
In fact, of the five legal manner of death options available to the coroner, it is often the term chosen to describe a death occurring in a struggle with another.
To date, there is no allegation of criminal culpability and it's apparent several contributing factors were involved. Yet the outcome remains tragic nonetheless.
Our professional police officers remain focused on providing service and protection for all in Indianapolis as this matter remains under review.
Indy FOP Endorses Cyndi Carrasco for Prosecutor STATEMENT ON VIOLENT WEEKEND FROM INDY FOP 4/25/2022
Once again, Indiana’s Capital City experienced one of the most violent weekends to date this calendar year.
Multiple people were shot, stabbed and killed. These are human lives impacted, not stats to be tabulated.
Indianapolis residents and officers are stuck in the middle of this violence.
Our Indy FOP is greatly troubled by the lack of visibility by any elected or appointed leaders in response to these tragedies.
Indy’s Mayor, Prosecutor, Council President must legitimately engage on these issues (in real-time).
Simply talking about root causes means nothing to those in the middle of the violence, those losing their lives and the families that are being destroyed right now.
Leaders must act and outline their plan to intervene and triage this situation now.
Intervention and Prevention efforts must both happen together in real-time.
We need Actions Over Words. Victims deserve better…Officers and Detectives risking their lives in the neighborhoods deserve better…Indiana’s Capital City deserves better.
Rick Snyder, President
Indy FOP joins Hammer and Nigel on
Indiana’s #1 Drive Time Talk Radio Show
FOP calls out Sweet Heart Plea Deal from Prosecutor Ryan Mears that led to Serial Armed Robber alleged in 10 new Business Robberies while wearing GPS
Second Alleged Robbery Suspect Mistakenly Released by Prosecutor without Bond. Officers had to risk their lives to take him back into custody
Indiana’s Capital City is still Outpacing Chicago in Homicides per capita, Violence is Spreading + Repeat Violent Offenders out Revolving Door
All while 37,000+ Cases still Await Trial
#PerfectStorm #FactsMatter
Hear it Here:
Indy FOP President Speaks Out on NewsMax About Radical Prosecutors in Major Cities From Manhattan to Indy and All Across America Indy FOP Speaks on National Crime Stats for 2021 What's New History (of the FOP) Twitter Siren What's New at FOP 86
Download:3-7-2022.pdf
Download:NPW 2021.jpg
INDY FOP STATEMENT ON LOW BOND RELEASE OF SUSPECT IN ATTEMPTED COP KILLING
August 9, 2021
Our Police Officers and their families are horrified to learn of the details regarding the inexplicable (98%) reduction in bond and subsequent release of another suspected violent offender.
Last week, our FOP held a press conference calling for Local and State Action regarding the pattern of bond reductions and releases of other suspected violent offenders who were subsequently arrested for crimes of murder.
We have now learned the Marion Courts were in the process (during the press conference) of lowering the bond of a separate suspect who had been arrested and charged with Attempt Murder of a Police Officer in June.
As a result, another suspected violent offender has been put back on the streets of Indy’s neighborhoods as the Revolving Door of Criminal Justice continues to spin in Marion County.
We call upon the Marion County Prosecutor to immediately share any objections they made on the record with the Court regarding this hearing and to outline the steps they took to notify the IMPD Chief’s Office and the involved officers of this decision by the Court.
We will have much more to say in the coming days. INDY Deserves Better!
©2021 Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 All Rights Reserved. This video, written message, image, or other material is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition without expressed written permission may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. INDY FOP STATEMENT ON TONIGHT'S COUNCIL VOTE - FOP Calls on Council to Amend Proposal to Fund Immediate Steps to Interrupt Violence
40 days ago, Mayor Hogsett announced a plan to sprinkle millions of dollars into various groups and individuals as part of a Summer Violence 'Reduction' Proposal.
Our Indy FOP warned back then that many more would be shot, stabbed, and killed while waiting on the Indy Council to act.
Unfortunately, this has proven true. Since the Proposal: 189 more people have been shot or stabbed with 33 losing their lives.
That's a person shot or stabbed every 5 hours and a person killed every 30 hours while elected officials sat on their hands.
This once again shows:
Delays + Distractions = No Plan
As Indy is in 2/3 of the way through summer, the Mayor's administration has admitted their Summer Spending (if passed tonight) won't take effect until Winter at the end of this year.
Victims Deserve Better.
Therefore, we call on the Council to Amend the Proposal and immediately move on the 4 solutions Proposed by Policing Professionals:
1. Purchase and deploy a gunshot detection system;
2. Purchase and deploy movile and static license plate readers;
3. Staff the arrestee processing center 24 hours a day, particularly during the summer months;
4. Cease automatic low bonds for repeat convicted folons for all-new Level 6 felonies charged.
These 4 Actions provide technology to immediately interrupt this Crisis and help close the Revolving Door to Repeat Violent Offenders in Marion County.
Indy Can't Wait!
©2021 Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 All Rights Reserved. This video, written message, image, or other material is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition without expressed written permission may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Quote of the Day "No one knows the dangers and the difficulties faced by today's police officers better than another officer, and no one knows police officers better than the F.O.P."
MEDIA ROUNDUP With regards to threats against officers, several media outlets have reported on the situation.
©2020 Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #86 All Rights Reserved. This video, written message, image, or other material is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution, or exhibition without expressed written permission may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution.
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Updated: Mar. 24 (00:01)
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