Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee Meeting – September 30, 2026

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council's Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee convened in the Public Assembly Room. Chair Leroy Robinson presided. The agenda included a presentation from the Early Intervention Planning Council (EIPC), two property tax levy proposals for police and fire special service districts (Proposals 261 and 262), and review of the public safety portion of the 2027 budget (Proposal 264).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carlette Duffy, Chair of the Marion County Community Corrections Board, spoke in support of eliminating ankle monitor fees. She shared her personal experience paying $5,110 in monitoring fees over one year as a single mother re‑entering society, emphasizing that many lack the family support she had.
• Sheikh Devontae Gilbert Bay of the Valdist Movement urged timely action on the ankle monitor fee proposal, noting it was submitted on August 31 and still pending. He called for a decision by October 9.
• Erica Davis of the Valdist Movement expressed disappointment with the Office of Financial Management for not acting sooner on the fee review, demanding an affirmative answer by October 9.

Discussion Items

• Early Intervention Planning Council (EIPC) Presentation: Sarah Comfort, Public Policy and Advocacy Director at Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), presented EIPC’s 2027 budget of $71,500 (unchanged since 2023). She described EIPC’s mission to prevent child abuse, neglect, and delinquency through data‑informed collaboration. She highlighted a forthcoming white paper on preventing youth gun violence, noting that firearms were the leading cause of death among Hoosier youth ages 1–17 in 2024. In Indianapolis, youth gun deaths fell from 44% to 17% from 2023 to 2024, but non‑fatal shootings rose 7%. Councilors discussed: Councilor Mowry asked if EIPC had taken a stance on curfew; Comfort said no official stance. Councilor Boots raised the disproportionate violence among Black males 18–25 and asked about providing alternatives for youth. Councilor Delaney noted he feeds these topics into EIPC to drive data‑driven answers. Councilor Brown asked about unfilled board seats; Comfort confirmed the mayor’s appointee and controller’s position are being filled. Councilor Hart linked unemployment (9% on the Far East Side vs. 3% citywide) to violence, citing a quality‑of‑life plan. Comfort acknowledged the need for third spaces and mentioned the Family and Youth Intervention Center.
• Proposals 261 & 262 – Police and Fire Special Service District Levies: Deputy Controller Jake McVay explained these are statutory administrative actions adopting the 2027 tax levy and rates. No questions from the public or committee. The committee voted on both proposals together.
• Proposal 264 – 2027 Budget (Public Safety Portion): Deputy Controller McVay confirmed no changes since prior presentation; representatives from each department were present. Councilor Brown questioned IMPD Chief Terry about Flock cameras: (1) why external sites show 500+ cameras while IMPD has 301; Chief Terry noted private and other agency cameras. (2) whether data‑sharing agreements with other agencies are public; Chief said only in‑state agencies, with MOUs being formalized. (3) status of system‑wide audits; Chief said daily audits occur with 100% compliance since August policy, long‑term procedures are being developed with the general orders board. Brown praised the transparency hub but asked for geographic breakdowns finer than police district. Brown also raised a complaint about delayed responses to public access requests; legal counsel Ann Harrigan said requests are processed in order and they try to communicate delays. Brown then asked about officer residency – Chief confirmed 46% of IMPD officers live outside Marion County (as of Sept. 16). Brown also asked that masked officers be clearly identifiable to avoid confusion with ICE. Councilor Perkins asked Community Corrections Director Hull about a $1.5 million request to eliminate ankle monitor fees. Hull said the proposal was submitted to OFM on August 31. Deputy Controller McVay acknowledged receipt but had not completed review. Councilor Allen asked whether an amendment could be made before final budget adoption; chair confirmed amendments are possible until the full council meeting on October 19.

Key Outcomes

• Proposals 261 and 262 (Police and Fire Levies): Passed by voice vote with no opposition. (Motion moved and seconded; all ayes, no nays.)
• Proposal 264 (2027 Budget): Passed on a roll call vote. Voting aye: Councilors Allen, Boots, Delaney, Graves, Hart, Muscary, McCormick, Mowry, Perkins, Robinson, and Wells (who initially voted nay but corrected to aye). Voting nay: Councilor Cahill. The motion carried. The budget will proceed to full council for final adoption; the Office of Financial Management committed to respond to the ankle monitor fee proposal before October 19.