IMPD's New Strategic Plan Targets Root Causes of Crime in Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has unveiled its finalized five-year strategic plan, marking a significant shift in how the department approaches policing through 2031. Originally introduced in April 2025 by former IMPD Chief Chris Bailey, the initiative is now being spearheaded by Chief Tanya Terry and represents months of extensive community engagement and internal collaboration.

The strategic plan emerged from direct feedback gathered from more than 2,800 Indianapolis residents and more than 1,500 IMPD employees through listening sessions and surveys. Department leaders transformed these community concerns into three core focus areas: supporting officers and staff, building trust within the community, and enhancing safety throughout the city. The plan includes a revised mission statement and vision, with priorities centered on officer wellness, technology investments, and strengthening community partnerships.

Beyond traditional crime reduction metrics, the plan redefines what safety means for Indianapolis residents by emphasizing prevention and addressing underlying causes of crime. The department has committed to improving officer retention rates and recruitment efforts, recognizing that sustainable public safety depends on a stable, engaged workforce. The initiative also reflects IMPD's broader goal to reduce crime and improve safety for Marion County residents while building a better future for officers and the communities they serve.

The rollout of the strategic plan coincides with IMPD's ongoing investments in technology, including enhancements to its Real-Time Crime Center. In partnership with the National Policing Institute, the department is implementing improvements designed to support officers responding to violent crime calls, with a focus on increasing available data and creating standardized workflows for analysts. These technological enhancements, funded through the Smart Policing Initiative, target firearm-related homicides and aggravated assaults—critical priorities for a city working to reduce gun violence.