INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis is facing a grim reality with an alarming number of unsolved homicides.
According to the latest statistics from IMPD, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 25, 156 people have been killed, but only 50 of those cases were reported solved.
IMPD says the department's clearance rate for homicides as of Oct. 2 is 57.6%, which is on par with previous years.
13News looked at the same statistics in similarly sized cities.
According to our sister station, WBNS in Columbus, Ohio, police reported 89 homicides and 67 of those cases cleared.
Columbus has a population of about 905,000 people, compared to Indianapolis' population of about 880,000, according to the latest census data.
According to WFAA in Fort Worth Texas, police reported 38 homicides. The clearance rate wasn't available at the time this story was published. Fort Worth's population is estimated at about 970,000 people.
In a recent City-County Council meeting, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey talked about the challenges of being short nearly 300 officers.
"Right now, we have not slashed any of our services or told community members that we won't be showing up on their particular run, but we are very close to that," said Bailey.
IMPD tells 13News they have been utilizing technology, along with task forces and the public's help to solve cases.
They sent us this statement reading, in part:
"IMPD consistently reviews best practices from law enforcement agencies across the country, both large and small, to identify strategies that could enhance our efforts here locally. By learning from other jurisdictions, we ensure that we are using the most effective methods to keep our community safe."