13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Another police merger vote next week

Another police merger vote next week

Lynsay Clutter/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis, December 14 -   Wednesday night, the Law Enforcement Consolidation Committee voted six to three in favor of merging the Indianapolis Police Department with the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

It now goes to the full council. And is once again just a step away from being put into action.

The vote was taken despite unanswered questions and confusion by concerned citizens. The new version varies little from the first plan defeated a month ago.

Councilman Scott Keller is a key reason for the revival. He says he'll support the plan now with a promise in writing that officers will not be moved to the suburbs.

"I voted against it then, they were happy, but I think when this goes through, everyone will buckle down and do the work that will make it work. And I'm for that."

The Mayor says it will work, saving 8 million dollars for the 2007 budget and the long term.  But for now the plan will help save 4.8 million dollars and keep 48 officers on the street.

Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell says they can make it happen.

"Our budget folks have said, 'Listen, if I know that consolidation is happening, we can start budgeting that way and start budgeting for those savings,' and that's how you're able to scrimp and save and keep officers on the street for this year."

Not everyone likes the new proposal. Vince Huber with the Fraternal Order Police says he hopes Councilman Keller will change his mind before the next council meeting.

"We're not surprised. We're very disappointed that members of the council think they can bring back poor public policy....Public safety will do down, IPD officers will be moved out of the city, taxes in the townships will go up."

The full council will cast their final votes on the proposal in a special session next Monday night.  The Mayor is also meeting with the Criminal Justice Planning Council on additional cost saving measures that would keep and possibly add more police officers.