About 25 men and women from all over Indianapolis showed up at the police roll call on Tuesday in a crime hot spot at 30th and Post Road. They weren't picketing or calling to defund the police. IMPD East is one of six districts of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and those officers serve in what is one of the most dangerous locations in all of Indiana.
Anthony Beverly of Stop the Violence Indianapolis invited UNITE INDY folks and others to to take part. Commander Rick Riddle called the names of the three dozen or so officers in attendance, and repeated those words he has said a thousand times: "Be careful out there." But before the officers were able to stand and leave, Beverly asked if the visitors could pray for them. Commander Riddle said, anyone who needs to leave, go ahead, or if you just want to skip the prayer, please go ahead.
No one moved.
A local pastor and others prayed. Hands were raised to God for the safety of those on the front lines facing violence here. Brittany Crone, Chief Communications Officer was there. She brought two "peace keepers" to the event. These employees of the Indianapolis Office Of Public Health and Safety visit known potential violent actors to open a dialogue about the dire outcomes that await serious offenders and options for a better life. One of our peace keepers was shot and killed in late June by the kind of action they work so hard to stop. He just stopped to get gas and shots rang out. A random bullet at 34th Street and Keystone Avenue killed him.
These jobs are not for the faint of heart. These jobs are for the lion hearted, and every day, we are not only to show our support, but we need to preach to and teach our children that we live in a nation of laws, and if those laws are upheld, we can preserve peace and tranquility for all. Chaos breeds insecurity and poverty. Peace encourages prosperity and safety.
Pick one,
Nancy
