Indy Ten Point Coalition helping neighborhoods reduce crime
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indy Ten Point Coalition is working with two neighborhood groups to fight crime.
Indy Ten Point with help from police has seen great success in Butler Tarkington and the United Northwest Area.
Reverend Charles Harrison said he’s planning to meet with a few neighborhood leaders in Liberty Creek to talk about future efforts. Harrison is on a mission to stop the violence across Indianapolis.
Thea area of 56th Street and Lafayette Road was busy Tuesday evening. Phil Campbell works nearby at a barbershop. He said he hasn’t heard about any violent crimes in the area.
“It’s pretty quiet,” said Campbell. “I’ve always known it to be pretty quiet.”
But it was just last week, less than two miles away from that busy intersection, where police said an 18-year-old was shot and killed.
Police said Jerrold Parker was sitting in a car when someone opened fire.
Police are still following up on leads.
“I have a daughter that lives in that area and I’m concerned about her safety,” said Harrison.
He said he received a phone call from a neighborhood group asking for help.
“We have some concerns about what’s going on in Pike, in particular the Liberty Creek area in working with youth to really try to redirect their lives,” said Harrison.
Harrison believes communication is the key with youth. He’s hoping they can get the message across.
“What we want to try to do is train residents, how do you engage with young people, and try to redirect their lives in a positive way,” said Rev. Harrison.
Butler Tarkington and the United Northwest Area are now going on three months with any homicides.
Rev. Harrison said this outcome is possible for other areas if everyone works together.
“We’re trying to steer these kids in the right direction. A lot of these kids are good kids they’re just around the wrong influences,” said Harrison.
Indy Ten Point Coalition is also doing public safety patrols in Crown Hill focusing on 38th Street.
Harrison said he will do a walk through of the Liberty Creek neighborhood next week.
