2012 in review: Ballard talks crime

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Murders are always a measure of how safe a city is, and because of the number of violent crimes reported in 2011, the FBI has ranked Indianapolis as the 22nd most dangerous city in the country. But Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard said he is encouraged about conditions in Indianapolis.

"In the last couple, three years, I think the police have done a terrific job … connecting with the community and talking to them," he said.

Ballard said neighborhood groups have been great partners with the police, and that kind of communication also helps reduce fear of crime.

And he said Indianapolis is likely to end the year with a downward trend.

"The murder rate in the city the last two years has been below a hundred, and it looks like it's going to be again this year, which is good,” Ballard said, noting that he still wishes the number was lower.

“You got to go back 20 years-plus to see anything like that,” he added.