Police stepping up presence on Fourth of July
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Central Indiana will be filled with Fourth of July events, and police officers are prepared to keep everyone safe.
Many will enjoy Independence Day in downtown Indy while others spend the evening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for The Rolling Stones concert.
Police say people can expect to see more officers wherever they chose to celebrate.
Officer Rafael Diaz, with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, said, “A lot of time and preparation goes into making sure that everyone that’s coming and visiting us tonight is safe.”
IMPD is not telling exact details of their action plan, but Saturday is an all-hands-on-deck day for officers.
Sam Blink, of Indianapolis, said, “It definitely gives me a comfort. Personally, I know that I always feel safer when there is more police around.”
Gabrielle Armstrong, of Port Huron, Michigan, said, “I think, especially for someone who’s not from around here and are very familiar with the city, it is nice to see someone in uniform, someone who I feel like I can approach if there’s a problem, if I’m lost if I feel uncomfortable.”
John Crimmins, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, said, “When there’s a police officer around the area, whether it be on a bike or in a car, their response time is going to be very quick. So it’s not like you will have to call anybody. If something happens they will be right there for you.”
IMPD Police Chief released the following statement:
As we approach the holiday weekend, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and I would like everyone to have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July. With downtown events, the Rolling Stones concert at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other celebrations throughout our great city, we expect many citizens and visitors to celebrate among us while enjoying everything the Circle City has to offer. As we do with any event, much planning and preparation has been dedicated to ensure everyone’s safety at all events. With that being said, we hope you will assist us by reporting any suspicious activity or disruptive behavior that may jeopardize the family-friendly environment of our downtown events.
In the spirit of collaboration, we appeal to everyone to come and enjoy all the events Indianapolis has to offer this holiday weekend. IMPD, along with its public safety partners, will have a visible presence at all significant events taking place throughout the city. These efforts will ensure our citizens and visitors can have a good time and feel safe. In addition to safety efforts at all events, our districts will also be appropriately staffed to ensure the safety of everyone in our neighborhoods.
IMPD welcomes everyone to enjoy all the events taking place this weekend; however, if your intentions are to come down and disrupt any event, to settle any neighborhood dispute, or be a nuisance, you will be dealt with promptly. Parents must know where their children are and ensure they are properly supervised. With that being said, we look forward to a safe and peaceful weekend as we celebrate this Independence Day. See you downtown.