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Mayor, police chief have strong words for those promoting police attacks

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — In Indianapolis, the most recent act of violence against law enforcement happened this week when a police officer was shot during a chase.

That shooting followed what’s been a very violent month across the country.

Wednesday Mayor Joe Hogsett and Police Chief Troy Riggs spoke together, addressing this issue and more.

The meeting was part of the monthly IMPD data update about crime trends in the city, but the chief and mayor spoke directly to the trend of violence against police officers.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett had strong words following another act of violence against a police officer this week.

“To send our own message to those who promote lawlessness and chaos in the city of Indianapolis, you will not divide us and you will not win, on that you have my commitment,” he said.

He spoke Wednesday with US Attorney Josh Minkler and Police Chief Troy Riggs.

They stressed the importance at this time for law enforcement agencies to work together to share crime data.

“That is the increased attacks on law enforcement across the United States,” Riggs said, “We’re looking at the numbers, the numbers of officers that have been attacked in this city.”

The number of officers attacked with a firearm in Marion County has been on the rise over the last decade.

There were 31 incidents last year.

Given the events of this month, Chief Riggs said changes are coming.

“It’s a new day for policing, we’re adjusting,” Riggs said, “As we learn more about Baton Rouge, as we learn more about Dallas, we’re going to put that information out to our officers immediately and then we’ll make adjustments.”

He said that means starting with education.

“Basically training on ambush, how to handle that, we’ll continue to put that information out,” Riggs said.

He also joined the Mayor with strong words for those promoting violence against police.

“For someone to condone actions of violence against those men and women who put on that uniform each and every day and represent their city, I think is unconscionable,” he said, “And could lead to future violence.”

Also Riggs announced during the meeting, police believe just two people are responsible for ten percent of this year’s homicides in the city.

Details were not discussed, but they indicated that arrests might be around the corner.

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