IMPD seeks input from public and officers on long-term strategic plan

INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD wants to hear from the public in order to plan for the future.

The department has launched the development of a long-term strategic plan aimed at improving public safety and is asking all residents for feedback.

The anonymous public survey can be done online and takes just 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Information on the plan and a link to the survey can be found at IMPDStrategicplan.Indy.Gov. The survey can also be accessed directly online here.

Now, the issue is off-limits. From figuring out how best to reduce violent crime, how to improve the recruitment and retention of officers, whether to amend the general orders regarding the use of force and what equipment will help officers best do their jobs, the public can go online and share their thoughts on those issues and on IMPD’s entire operation.

“Every single part of our operation needs to be reviewed and we need to set goals to make it better for the future,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey.

IMPD said the strategic plan will serve as a guiding document for the next five years, helping IMPD remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of the community and its officers.

“Every successful business and yes, even law enforcement agencies, need a strategic plan to stay focused, accountable and effective,” said Bailey. “No strategic plan can succeed without the voices of those who will bring it to life and those we serve. This will be a collaborative process from start to finish. The final plan will reflect not just leadership goals, but also the people we serve.”

In addition to the public’s thoughts, IMPD is also gathering input from the frontline perspective of its own officers and professional staff who have voiced increased frustration in recent years.

“There’s some frustration and when I say officers don’t feel heard, it’s time we listen to them as well as the community, and that’s why it’s important for their feedback so we have a well-rounded perspective to determine what the future of this agency looks like,” said Bailey.

That frustration has led to the department operating with just 1,450 officers. That is nearly 300 officers fewer than the 1,743 approved in the city’s budget.

“I don’t think some of the things we’ve done since 2020 in this city and around the country have been helpful to police recruiting anywhere in the country. We’ve demonized policing,” said Bailey.

That shortage has a real-life impact on how IMPD investigates violent crimes.

“We want to have 35 to 40 detectives in homicide. We know the national average of caseload is four to five cases per detective and over the years we haven’t met that ratio, but in order to do that we have to have staffing,” said Bailey.

The police and public survey is being conducted by Taylor Advising, a local company that promises to remain neutral and collect the feedback without influencing the results in any way.

“Our role is not to write the content of the plan, but to create space for input,” said Marla Taylor.  “We want to understand what you want from your police department for years to come.”

According to a release by IMPD, Taylor Advising brings expertise in facilitating discussions, gathering input, and developing a comprehensive strategy. Their work will ensure that the final strategic plan is tailored to IMPD’s specific needs while also aligning with the broader interests of the Indianapolis community. 

“What is IMPD and who is IMPD? I want officers and the community to decide that for the next 20 to 30 years,” said Bailey.

As for a timeline, the online survey will conclude in June.

By November, a first draft of the plan will be released to the public before the final plan is announced and implemented in January 2026.