10/5/2005
Media Contact:
Cherrish S. Pryor
(317)327-4245 |
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Councilwoman Franklin to Introduce Amendment to End Impasse on Consolidation Proposal
Indianapolis - Councilwoman Sherron Franklin will introduce an amendment at the October 6, Indianapolis Marion County Law Enforcement Consolidation Committee meeting that puts a newly created metropolitan law enforcement police department under the Mayor.
Councilwoman Franklin said, "There has been an impasse while trying to get this merger complete, I’m giving the Council another choice that can move us beyond that point." She said, "Inevitably the merger will happen. My amendment gives all parities another choice when discussing consolidation."
The Council was given authority to merge the Indianapolis Police Department and the law enforcement division of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department through Senate Enrolled Act 307 which passed the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year. The Council conducted an independent study which found that consolidation of the law enforcement entities would save taxpayers approximately $3.2 million each year.
Councilman Lance Langsford has also signed on to be a co-sponsor of the amendment. He said, "Consolidation is a major issue and I’m joining on this amendment because it gives us an alternative to what has been proposed. All options need to be explored when considering such a major issue. This should alleviate all concerns about who is in charge of law enforcement for Marion County."
Councilwoman Franklin said, "With my fifteen years of law enforcement experience I’m in a unique position to provide insight on consolidation and the best way to implement such a plan." She said, "My first priority is to provide the best public safety to all the citizens in Marion County, and I think this amendment will accomplish that. "
If this consolidation proposal is passed it will give taxpayers one taxing district for law enforcement.
The committee meeting on October 6, 2005 will take place at 5:30 p.m. in room 260 of the City County Building, which is located at 200 E. Washington Street. Amendments on Proposal 471, 2005, the consolidation proposal, will be taken at that time. Copies of the amendment will be available after 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at the City County Council Office.
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