INDIANAPOLIS — You can expect to see a lot more flashing lights and heavy police presence at night in downtown Indianapolis as IMPD enforces the curfew law for people under 18 years old.
"It's not going to be the tool that fixes all our issues. Our officers are expected to address disorderly and reckless behavior before curfew," IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said.
The next tool IMPD appears to be using is support from community and faith-based leaders. Pastor James Jackson, from Fervent Prayer Church, and Pastor Charles Harrison, the senior pastor of Barnes United Methodist Church, said they are two of several people contacted by the city and Bailey about meeting up to discuss solutions.
"They have to have the help of the community. When the community and local government are working together, we see a decrease in criminal activity and a decrease in our inability to solve crimes," Jackson said.
"Together with old and new, we can find some real solutions and help make this city safer for our kids," Harrison said.
Both pastors believe the curfew is a good first step, but they say how it's enforced is just as important.
"I'm hoping there can be a collaborative effort between the churches, IMPD and the city of Indianapolis. So, if we have youth who are in violation of the curfew law, they can be taken to the churches and receive wrap-around services to help them, versus being processed in the criminal justice system," Jackson said.
Ultimately, they said there's no easy solution, but it does have to include parents.
"As a parent, it's talking to your children about non-violent ways of handling conflict so things don't escalate like they did last Saturday," Harrison said.
"I think it's going to take all of us working together to help parents who may need help to make sure their children are safe. When their children are safe, our city will be safe," Jackson said.
There is no set date on the meeting, but both pastors hope it will be early next week.