Mayor and Sheriff Reach Agreement Over Transfer of IMPD
INDIANAPOLIS (January 31, 2008) –Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Marion County Sheriff Frank J. Anderson announced today at a joint press conference that they have reached an agreement regarding Proposal No. 6 – the proposed ordinance that would transfer control of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to the Office of the Mayor.
Under the Agreement, the Sheriff will have significant input into the operation of IMPD; however, authority over the Department will shift to the Mayor. Among many provisions, one specifies that either the Mayor or Public Safety Director consult with the Sheriff regarding future appointments to the positions of Public Safety Director and choice of IMPD's Chief of Police.
"Public Safety is job one," Mayor Ballard said. "This agreement is only the beginning of a process that will result in a new level of coordination and new capacities in public safety. It is truly a win-win for the citizens of Marion County, and I thank Sheriff Anderson for making a true beginning in building the consolidated law enforcement team we all deserve."
"This is just the beginning of what I believe is going to be a unique approach to law enforcement," Sheriff Anderson said. "Our commitment in this process was easy: civil discourse on the subject. That discourse led to deeper analysis of public safety and its betterment for this city and county."
The City-County Council is scheduled to hear Proposal No. 6 tonight, now with an amendment drafted to reflect the joint agreement.
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