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For Immediate Release: June 29, 2023
Media Contact: Max Wing | max@downtownindy.org

Downtown Indy, Inc. reports momentum on increased public safety efforts in the Mile Square

Installations of b-link and mobile cameras, new signage, and deployment of additional bike officers signal re-doubled efforts to reduce crime and enhance public’s perception of Downtown

INDIANAPOLIS - - As the first half of the year concludes, Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) is reporting that plans announced earlier this year are taking hold to reduce criminal activity and increase the perception of safety in the Mile Square. B-link cameras, designed to help Downtown stakeholders collaborate with IMPD and protect their storefronts, are being installed in 23 new businesses. Off-duty police officer hours have doubled. Two new mobile security cameras are now in place with other efforts underway.

“With more residents than ever calling the Mile Square home and workers returning to offices more frequently, we want to ensure that Downtown is a safe, welcoming place 356 days a year,” said DII President & CEO Taylor Schaffer. “Addressing Downtown safety remains a critical priority for us, and we’re grateful for the City of Indianapolis’ investment of $3.5 million to keep this momentum going. These dollars are at-work in tangible ways with new crime-fighting technology, additional deployment of foot and bike officers, and public awareness efforts highlighting IMPD’s connectivity. Throughout the next 18 months, we will continue deploying resources in collaboration with businesses, public safety officials and those who live in and visit our Downtown, to ensure we maintain exciting momentum and continued investment.”

Key tactical efforts underway:

  • Latest b-link cameras being installed starting next week – 26 new businesses are now joining a network of existing businesses and property owners that have taken advantage of the Downtown public safety grant program. The program allows registration of personal and business security cameras to join a network of live-stream video access for IMPD to utilize in the event of a crime or incident in the vicinity.
  • Deployment of new mobile security cameras – two new mobile cameras have been added to Downtown’s technology footprint, to be used in public spaces and high traffic corridors. These cameras, owned by DII and connected to IMPD’s network, have been deployed in conjunction with resident, business, and public safety feedback, serving as a visible deterrent to potential criminal activity.
  • Street level signage is now going up – city leaders are installing new signage around Monument Circle and throughout Downtown to notify those passing by that crime fighting technology is being utilized in the area. This effort not only deters criminal activity, but also raises the public’s awareness, adding to a greater sense of security.
  • Supplemented IMPD patrol hours of off-duty foot/bike officers – DII hires off-duty IMPD police officers to augment the district’s police presence during key events and for placement in potential hot spots. Thanks to the additional investment by the City, staffing hours have doubled from 30-40 hours per week to 70-90 hours in order to build relationships, increase visibility, and provide additional security. With another 40 staffing hours from the IMPD Homeless Unit (see below), a total of 130 patrol hours of off-duty officers are in place during peak times.
  • Six new outreach specialists now in place – as part of the Downtown Collaborative Outreach Initiative, additional staffing is being deployed 7 days a week to address homelessness in the Mile Square. Outreach specialists and additional members of the IMPD Homeless Unit provide a combined officer and social professional team that can address individual needs to get people on a path to housing while surrounding them with needed services.
  • More than 100 Downtown business stakeholders are using new smart-phone technology – stakeholders and DII business members can now communicate directly with DII’s operations team to report safety or cleanliness concerns instantaneously via app. The See Say app empowers street-level retailers and others to take an active role in keeping their community safe by proactively communicating with law enforcement.
  • Social media campaign to broaden awareness of public safety strategies underway – this week, DII will launch short-form digital videos to share on DII social channels demonstrating security partnerships to increase the public’s perception of safety Downtown. Click here to view the first of the series.

Dane Nutty, president of the Indy Public Safety Foundation, is optimistic: "We are thrilled with the response to the b-link grant program and happy to see the expansion of this resource to our city's downtown with dozens of businesses utilizing b-link technology. This initiative is a continued step forward in our mission to enhance the quality of life and safety of our city—we couldn't do it without the collaboration between partners like the City of Indianapolis, Downtown Indy, Inc. and our city's first responders."

In addition to the b-link business grants and crime fighting technology, DII’s $3.5 million in funding from the City has been dedicated to other safety and cleanliness projects to strengthen the Mile Square. A significant portion of these funds have already been operationalized through DII’s increased street cleaning presence in the Mile Square, currently employing 36 full-time workers with coverage seven days a week and a 24-hour response time, and the deployment of new public bathrooms starting on Monument Circle next week. Additionally, more than $650,000 in City allocated funding has resulted in the hiring of personnel for direct outreach and engagement to people experiencing homelessness in the Mile Square.

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About Downtown Indy, Inc.
Founded in 1993, Downtown Indy, Inc. is a public/private partnership existing to improve Downtown, and is also known as Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. As a private, not-for-profit organization, Downtown Indy, Inc. is uniquely positioned to address issues that affect the area’s growth and well-being. Downtown Indy, Inc. focuses on development, management, activation, and marketing to advance Downtown as a great place to live, learn, work and play.

About the Indy Public Safety Foundation (IPSF)
Founded in 2014, the mission of the Indy Public Safety Foundation (IPSF) is to enhance public safety and quality of life in Indy. Learn more at www.indypsf.org.