IMPD arrests 20 people for domestic violence-related offenses, seizes 4 illegal guns

INDIANAPOLIS — In the second week of July, IMPD made 20 felony arrests for domestic violence-related offenses, and four illegal guns were seized.

It was all part of the biannual "Operation Domestic Disruption IV."

IMPD—in partnership with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the US Marshals Service and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force—conducted an arrest sweep of violent offenders with active warrants for domestic violence-related offenses.

"Whether physical, emotional, or psychological, domestic violence has no place in our homes or communities. Together, we can break the cycle of abuse by raising awareness, supporting survivors, and promoting healthy relationships." IMPD said in a post on Facebook. "Everyone deserves relationships free from abuse."

(NOTE: The video at the top of this page is from a previous story.)

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Police said they looked at all the data they had and, based off that, officers started making "target lists" of those known domestic violence offenders who had open felony warrants for domestic violence-related offenses who were also serious violent felons. 

"The overall goal is to disrupt the cycle of domestic violence. Secondarily, is finding those armed domestic violence fugitives who are prohibited from having firearms, and then thirdly is to connect current/prior victims to domestic violence champions," IMPD Lt. Nick Andrews said.

"Our job comes in to be live and direct with the victims who are suffering from domestic violence, so our services will come in in real time and say, 'Hey, we see what you're going through. These are the services here in Indianapolis, as we are survivors as well.' We're able to meet them right where they are and just walk their journey with them so they not only feel safe but can also move towards a safer living," Danyette Smith, director of Indy Champions, said. 

On Thursday, IMPD, along with the Marion County Community Corrections and Marion County Prosecutor's Office, took part in Operation Compliance. 

Police said this resulted in 22 arrests, nine firearms seized and over 1,000 grams of narcotics recovered. 

IMPD explained this operation was to make sure that people who are on Community Corrections monitoring are in compliance with the terms of their sentences. 

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Resources and how to help

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by a partner to maintain power and control over another partner in a relationship, according to The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Abuse can be physical, but it can also appear in several other ways.

If you or someone you love is in a relationship that may involve abuse, there is help available. Here are some resources with people to talk to and places to turn to for assistance:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or follow the link to live chat with someone.
• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this resource helps you find a shelter near you and find help, including domestic violence programs, batterers’ intervention programs and housing and eviction assistance.
• Julian Center is the largest organization supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other life crises in Indiana. Call the 24-hour Crisis Line at 317-920-9320.
• Coburn Place offers compassionate support and safe housing choices for survivors of domestic violence and their children.