IMPD arrests 45 people for prostitution, drug-related charges
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – 45 people were arrested between Wednesday and Thursday for prostitution and mostly drug-related charges, after a two-day sweep around Indianapolis by the IMPD Operation Next Step.
According to IMPD, 17 people were arrested on Wednesday for prostitution and 28 people were arrested on Thursday for mostly drug-related charges. A total of nine warrants were served.
Operation First Step first started in June. IMPD Chief Troy Riggs gave credit to the community for helping to identify the people police were looking for.
“There is a lot of work going on. Once again, I would like to ask the community to be patient; it’s going to take some time. But, if we’re going to be successful in reducing crime over the long term, it’s going to take all of us working together for the long term,” Riggs said. “None of these systemic issues we’re dealing with are going to be solved overnight.”
Police said the following drugs were seized:
- One gram of heroin
- 96 grams of cocaine
- 18 grams of marijuana
- 56 grams of spice
- 30 pills
- 11 guns
- $7,3128 in cash
IMPD said of the people arrested, 17 accepted offers for help with employment, housing and food assistance. They said the goal of the sweep includes:
- Reduce the instances of violent crime by addressing contributing factors
- Address quality of life issues in the affected communities
- Provide necessary services to those found in need
IMPD will continue to target known hot spots and violent offenders in the community.
Police said to expect to see more patrols around the city over the holiday weekend.