INDIANAPOLIS — In a release, Indianapolis City-County Councilors Rena Allen and Carlos Perkins say the current ordinance protects officers from immediate termination when they are arrested. The ordinance says a civilian police merit board will establish disciplinary action when an officer is suspended.
"This ordinance does not serve the leadership of the department, and it needs revisions as soon as possible to ensure accountability and restore trust within our community," Perkins said.
"We recognize that to restore trust in our public institutions, policy changes are necessary to remove bad actors from the force," Allen said.
The most recent arrest was last week when a six-year-veteran was arrested for child sex crimes. In all four of the cases this year, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey suspended the officers when they were arrested, but he is waiting for a recommendation of termination from the merit board.
13News reached out to IMPD for comment on the councilors' statements, with the following written response on behalf of Bailey:
"I have not yet reviewed the proposal by Councilors Allen and Perkins, but I want to emphasize that recent troubling behavior within the IMPD will not be tolerated. I remain steadfast in my support for the officers and professional staff who serve and protect our community with dedication, integrity, and compassion. I share the concerns raised by recent incidents, which is why I acted swiftly to recommend termination for those involved. Misconduct will not be tolerated, and individuals who fail to uphold their oath will be held accountable. I welcome discussions with councilors to ensure officer accountability and enhance public safety for all communities in Indianapolis."
The councilors say they will introduce a proposal later this fall.