IMPD investigates 66 homicides this year
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated 66 homicides this year and 58 of them are considered murders.
The total number this time last year was 20 people higher. They believe reaching out to youth in six target areas will help their effort to continue dropping the number of deadly crimes.
At their headquarters, they announced that $38,000 will be given to 10 local organizations that support teens over the summer. The money was raised during the 2015 season of Tip Off Jam.
The Department of Public Safety is encouraging underage youth to enroll in one of the programs below, designed to offer love, support, guidance and a job.
- Camp Jeremiah
- Clean for Green
- Design Bank
- Destiny Arts
- Forge
- Hawthorne Junior Counselor Program
- Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
- Not in My Mood
- Stop the Violence Indianapolis
- Young Men, Inc.
“This will give teens something to do other than hit the streets. We want them to get a job to give them a sense of accomplishment. It’s wonderful to see this kind of support from the community for our youth,” said DPS director Troy Riggs.
“It’s commonly understood that youth programming that includes skill building and personal development often reduces delinquent behavior,” said Will Marquez co-founder of Bank Design.
“We have to show teens other options and let them know they can succeed in life if they stay on the right track, obey their parents and law enforcement,” said Reverend Malachi Walker with Young Men, Inc.
Some of the camps have a fee associated with them, while other mentorship programs are free of charge. View the options and availability here.