INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has announced a collaborative effort with IMPD and the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) to increase safety on the Downtown Canal Walk.
Due to a recent uptick in violence, IMPD has started offering two off-duty overnight shifts from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. for added coverage and general presence that will be financed through DMD.
These shifts will include a combination of bike/foot patrols with special attention paid to the Canal Playspace and the Walnut Street bridge.
"As we continue our efforts to reopen the downtown economy, we want residents, businesses, and cultural institutions along the canal to safely enjoy this beautiful and vibrant shared public asset," Mayor Hogsett said in a press release.
RELATED: Metro police seek help from the public in search for witnesses, suspects in downtown shooting
DMD is working with the Department of Public Works to repair any street-level lights along bridges. Also, security cameras will be installed near Michigan and Indiana streets and the Walnut Street Bridge in the coming months.
The City of Indianapolis has also worked with Bird and Lime scooters to make the canal a "no-ride zone" by slowing down the scooters to 1 to 2 mph when they enter the area.
