Review of Indianapolis gun violence problem shows 75% of those involved in homicides known to criminal justice system

A recent review of Indianapolis’ violence issues, specifically involving guns, from March 2018 to February 2020 found around 75% of people had multiple arrests before the homicide. IMPD said on average, both suspects and victims had more than 5 prior arrests.

“The suspects, on average, were arrested at least seven times by the time of the homicide incident,” Allison Davids, Intelligence Analyst at the Crime Gun Intelligence Center, said. The report by the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform also said at least 39% of homicides involve a group of three or more people committing violence. In these homicides, they are either the victim, suspect or both.

Assistant Chief Chris Bailey said these statistics do challenge people’s trust of accountability in the system.

“Absolutely,” Bailey said. “Police legitimacy is not just a buzzword. It goes to the heart of what we do. Without people believing that the laws they’re following and that the authority they provide in us will work, then the system starts to break down.”