As tensions rise in Indianapolis following the June 29 police shooting of Aaron Bailey, a reportedly unarmed man, Mayor Joe Hogsett on Friday announced a slew of changes — such as implicit bias training for officers and a change in the department's use-of-force policies.
Hogsett also vowed that the investigation into Bailey's death will happen expeditiously and with "as much openness and as much transparency as due process will allow."
Bailey, 45, was shot and killed by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officers Michal P. Dinnsen and Carlton J. Howard after a chase that followed a traffic stop on the city's north side at about 2 a.m. June 29. The officers, who joined IMPD in 2014, are on administrative leave. Neither has a disciplinary record.
Hogsett said the use-of-force policies will be "modernized," and the city will bring in a "diverse set of legal experts" to analyze training for new officers.
The mayor also said the implicit bias training will involve the community and police department working together to create a program that is "a first of its kind in the nation."
Hogsett also announced a string of other changes including:
- Creating a use-of-force review board to examine any incident that involves use of force with a firearm, Taser or a physical altercation.
- Establishing an Office of Diversity and Inclusion to be embedded at IMPD's training academy.
- Changing the department's training curriculum by bringing in a "diverse set of legal experts" to analyze the current program.
- Reviewing the Citizens Police Complaint Board.
In addition to investigations by the IMPD and Marion County prosecutor's office into Bailey's death, the FBI is conducting a civil rights probe at IMPD's request, the Indianapolis Star reports.
