IBJ Podcast: Will Indy Mayor Joe Hogsett seek re-election?
IBJ reporter Hayleigh Colombo talks to the mayor about whether he’ll seek a second term and why he says the job is the hardest he’s ever had.
Public Safety
Articles
Court: Indianapolis isn’t obligated to pay police officer’s legal fees
A federal appeals court says Indianapolis doesn't have to pay the legal fees of a police officer who successfully defended a lawsuit accusing him of negligence.
Supreme Court: Police need search warrants to track cellphones
Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by the court’s four liberals in the 5-4 decision, wrote that “an individual maintains a legitimate expectation of privacy in the record of his physical movements” as they are captured by cellphone towers.
UPDATE: Holcomb pledges action on DCS problems outlined in new report
A review of the state’s child welfare system found that dysfunction, a perceived lack of resources and a "culture of fear" contributed to widespread problems.
Salmonella linked to pre-cut melon from local distributor sickens 60 in Midwest
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the fruit was distributed to numerous retailers in eight states, including Indiana. At least 30 people have been hospitalized.
Study: Gun removal law reduces suicides in Indiana
An Indiana law allowing authorities to temporarily remove guns from those considered a risk to others or themselves has helped reduce the state's firearm-related suicides, according to a University of Indianapolis study.
Indiana fraudsters sentenced for stealing, reselling $1.2M in merchandise from Amazon
In the scheme, a husband and wife would assume false identities and scam consumer electronics from Amazon, prosecutors said. They would sell the goods to an associate, often in parking lots in Indianapolis.
After 4 years, Indiana fully embraces text-to-911 in emergencies
Residents in all 92 of the state's counties can now send texts during emergencies if they're unable to speak to dispatchers.
Indianapolis official announces halt to merit board changes
The Indianapolis City-County Council president has halted plans to revamp the city's civilian police merit board in the wake of its recent vote clearing two officers of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black motorist.
Several issues unresolved as General Assembly nears ending point
Still left to address is legislation involving school safety programs, professional licensing for young immigrants referred to as “Dreamers,” sex education, school takeovers, handgun fees and workforce development leadership.
Indiana lawmakers put finishing touches on gun rights legislation
Law enforcement groups voiced serious concerns about the bill because license fees are a major source of funding for training, including active shooter response training.
Indiana House approves statewide school-safety audit
The measure passed Monday on a 96-0 vote. It comes in the wake of a Parkland, Florida, school shooting that left 17 dead.
Lawmakers backpedal on some gun legislation in wake of mass shooting
Gun-related legislation became a political football after a high-profile school shooting in Florida last month, with Republicans eliminating some efforts to loosen firearms laws and Democrats calling for more gun control.
More concerns raised about Indiana’s child welfare agency
The Indiana Department of Child Services faces serious challenges, according to preliminary findings released in a report Thursday by a state consultant.
White House considering Indiana law as way to curb gun violence
The Trump administration is reviewing the idea of using restraining orders known as red flag laws to take firearms away from people considered dangerous. Officials are studying an Indiana version of the law.
Indiana gun-permit bill sees more scrutiny in wake of Florida shooting
Democrats objected to a proposal approved by an Indiana Senate committee Wednesday that would eliminate fees and make changes to the handgun licensing process.
Bloomington police face criticism for armored truck purchase
Opponents argue that the vehicle will militarize the college town’s police force.
Former IMPD chief Riggs gets another new job—this time in Denver
A press release from the city stated that Troy Riggs joined the Denver Department of Public Safety last year as deputy director—a role he must have had for just a quick stint, considering he listed the Sagamore Institute as his job on Linkedin until November.
Indiana House backs bill eliminating handgun licensing fee
Under the proposal, anyone wanting to legally carry a handgun in public would still be required to undergo a background check before obtaining a state permit, but the lifetime licensing fees would be eliminated.
Council OKs $55M for initial justice center construction
The unanimous vote also gave approval for the city to spend $4.2 million to acquire 140 acres of land from Citizens Energy Group as the site for the new jail, courthouses and mental health center.