MPOA calls for more diversity within IMPD

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A call for more diversity in the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was the topic in front of the City-County Council’s public safety and criminal justice committee.

Members of the Minority Police Officers Association spoke about wanting more African Americans hired and promoted within the ranks of IMPD.

The MPOA says the number of minority recruits that became officers in IMPD’s last class was 11 out of 64.

They say that’s about 14% and that’s good, but they would like to see the department more reflective of Marion County, which is more than 30% black.

“Indianapolis Police Department is entering an explosive period of hiring with the projections that I’ve heard and it’s important that we do our due diligence to make sure those classes are well represented with diversity, particularly with African Americans,” said  Lt. John Walton, President of the Minority Police Officers Association.

The MPOA made several suggestions for increasing the number of African Americans on the force, including increasing the number of recruiters with IMPD, and having a mentorship and career pathing program to help retain black officers.