IMPD and ISP crack down on reckless driving around Indy
Law enforcement has seen an increase in street racing and aggressive driving over the past year.
INDIANAPOLIS — The city of Indianapolis announced Thursday that it is taking steps to reduce reckless and aggressive driving.
The IMPD and Indiana State Police are teaming up to combat dangerous driving habits on city streets and highways, where officers and troopers have seen an increase in street racing and aggressive drivers.
At a press conference Thursday, Mayor Joe Hogsett acknowledged persistent complaints from residents that driving has gotten worse around Indianapolis over the past two years.
“We are taking this issue seriously, improving traffic control in residential areas and places where we have seen illegal racing. Make no mistake about it, if you put other people’s lives at risk with driving dangerous, you will pay the consequences,” Hogsett said.
IMPD and PSI began working together in the spring to identify people running “pop-up spinning clubs” in parking lots and at intersections.
“In the past, we have seen local tailing groups take over specific areas or parking lots, charge for admission and engage in criminal activity,” said the commander of the IMPD Special Operations Office, Charles Deblaso. He said these events put attendees, other drivers and nearby residents at risk.
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Since the two departments began meeting monthly in March, they have recovered at least 67 stolen vehicles, arrested 26 people, recovered 17 firearms and seized marijuana, cocaine and other narcotics.
IMPD has acknowledged the rise in violent crime in the city and said it is a priority, but cracking down on reckless driving is another of the department’s responsibilities.
IMPD is also investing in additional technology, such as wearable speed detection devices, license plate readers and public safety cameras, to help combat speeding and reckless driving.
From the beginning of the year to May 31, the IMPD issued 15,667 tickets or warnings for a total of 22,784 traffic violations. In the same date range, ISP issued a total of 14,801 citations and warnings in Marion County.