Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee Meeting – June 10, 2026

The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee met on June 10, 2026, at 10:45 AM (EDT) to consider five proposals: appointments to the Juvenile Detention Center Advisory Board, an additional appropriation for IMPD vehicle financing, an amendment to the curfew ordinance, and directives for the Office of Public Health and Safety following an audit. Extensive discussion included public testimony and roll‑call votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keanu Wart (Far East Side resident) supported the appointments, sharing his experience as a foster child and urging the committee to focus on prevention and adequate casework rather than detention.
• Torian Everett spoke against the curfew expansion, warning that even brief detention traumatizes youth and that status offenses appear on juvenile records, which can be used against them. Later, on Proposal 190, he argued for equal accountability across all departments, noting that IMPD also lacks transparent reporting.
• Kent Moore criticized the curfew expansion, citing statistics and arguing that it criminalizes youth without addressing root causes.
• Rev. Chauncey Brown opposed the curfew expansion, emphasizing that many 17‑year‑olds are heads of households and that trust is built through resources, not restriction. On Proposal 190, he urged the committee not to cut funding, as OPHS programs serve vulnerable communities.
• Alexis Hatcher (candidate for Juvenile Detention Advisory Board) also testified against the curfew expansion, explaining that even temporary detention can trigger DCS involvement and that status offenses appear on delinquency records.
• Andrew Merkley, Director of OPHS, presented his office’s progress on audit findings, citing a 55% reduction in homicides, distribution of 300,000 pounds of food, and winter housing for 1,100 people. He committed to ongoing reporting but opposed freezing funding.

Discussion Items

• Proposal 375 – Appointment of Evan Sharon to Juvenile Detention Center Advisory Board

  • Sharon described his corporate consulting experience and desire to help struggling youth. Councillors thanked him for his service on the Civilian Police Complaint Board and asked about his interest. He emphasized alternatives to detention. The motion passed unanimously.

• Proposal 187 – Appointment of Alexis Hatcher to Juvenile Detention Center Advisory Board

  • Hatcher detailed her work with youth in the child welfare system (DCS and juvenile delinquency). She explained the board’s role in improving services. Councillor Boots asked about lessons learned from DCS. The motion passed unanimously after public comments.

• Proposal 188 – Additional Appropriation of $875,000 for IMPD Vehicle Financing

  • Deputy Chief Kevin Wethington requested the funds to prepay a 2021 financing agreement and open capacity for a new loan to purchase about 200 vehicles (likely Dodge Durangos at $40,000 each). Discussion covered fleet size (2,300 vehicles), the shift from sedans to SUVs, maintenance costs, and the lack of a long‑term replacement plan due to Senate Bill 1. Several councillors criticized the controller’s practice of not including vehicle needs in the base budget. The motion passed unanimously.

• Proposal 189 – Amend Curfew Ordinance to Include 17‑Year‑Olds

  • Sponsor Councillor Hart explained the intent to close a gap that left 17‑year‑olds outside public safety curfew hours. Police Chief Terry clarified that curfew is a status offense (not criminal), with the goal of contacting parents and offering resources, not arrest. Opponents (Councillors Perkins, Graves, Allen, Mascary) argued it disproportionately affects minority youth, that it lacks evidence of effectiveness, and that root causes (e.g., jobs, gun availability) need attention. Supporters (Councillors Hart, Wells, Boots, Bain, Delaney, Anne, Maori) cited the 2026 homicide of a 17‑year‑old and the importance of parental accountability. An amendment to clean up language (removing “under 15 or 16”) passed 9‑3. The amended proposal was then recommended to full council with a do‑pass recommendation by a 7‑4 vote.

• Proposal 190 – Directives for Office of Public Health and Safety After Audit

  • Sponsor Councillor Hart presented the proposal, which called for ethics training, a tracking system, compliance with city/state policies, and a funding freeze if milestones were not met. Director Merkley reported progress on audit findings and committed to monthly reports. The committee rejected a motion to table (6‑5). After debate, the committee voted to divide the question: Sections 1–4 (accountability measures) were approved 6‑5, and Section 5 (funding freeze) was rejected 7‑4. The amended proposal (sections 1–4 only) will advance to full council.

Key Outcomes

• Proposal 375 (Evan Sharon appointment): Passed unanimously.
• Proposal 187 (Alexis Hatcher appointment): Passed unanimously.
• Proposal 188 ($875,000 IMPD vehicle appropriation): Passed unanimously.
• Proposal 189 (curfew expansion to 17‑year‑olds): Amendment to clean language passed 9‑3; the amended proposal was recommended to full council with a do‑pass recommendation by a 7‑4 vote.
• Proposal 190 (OPHS directives): Sections 1–4 (accountability measures) were approved 6‑5; Section 5 (funding freeze) rejected 7‑4; the amended proposal will proceed to full council.