Just a reminder, the due date for turning in the scholarship is May 1, 2023 by 5PM

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.

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.  

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 President Rick Snyder speaking to Hammer and Nigel regarding HB 1004 and other new initiatives to help stem the tide of violence in Indianapolis. 

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!

With regards to threats against officers, several media outlets have reported on the situation. 

Fox59

WRTV6

WIBC

Law Enforcement Today

©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.