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Mayor Joe Hogsett walks the beat with IMPD

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Mayor Joe Hogsett walked the beat near Rural and New York streets with two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers. Thursday marked the first day for IMPD to implement its new police beat policy.

The policy adds 19 new beats across IMPD’s coverage area based on the crime and quality of life statistics. The areas selected include 18 square miles. According to IMPD, those new beats account for more than 45 percent of the homicides in 2015 and 35 percent of non-fatal shootings since 2012.

Funding for the beat policing will come from the city’s existing budget within IMPD.

The overall goal is to reduce crime, the fear of crime and enhance quality of life and public safety, according to a news release issued by IMPD.

“The purpose is not to make more arrests, but to raise the level of community awareness and community trust,” said Mayor Hogsett.

24-Hour News 8 walked with Hogsett as he informed residents of the new beat policy. He asked those he came in contact with if they had any problems. During one encounter, Hogsett asked a resident to look out for the officers as they walk the streets.

As the walk came to an end, Hogsett, had this to say for those residents who are not in favor of the walks.

“Those that say we don’t want officers walking in our neighborhood are probably the problem to begin with,” said Hogsett.

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