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Frank Straub, Indianapolis director of public safety. (WISH photo)

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IMPD shifts police to high-crime zones

Updated: Thursday, 09 Feb 2012, 8:57 PM EST
Published : Thursday, 09 Feb 2012, 7:57 PM EST

Julian Grace

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) -

High crime areas will soon get more scrutiny, as Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department implements a new strategy for curbing criminal activity. The concept is called zone policing.

The department is using real-time crime data to guide their allocation of resources. For instance, a neighborhood with relatively low amount of crime will now see fewer officers, so that high-crime areas can get more focus.

“When we fight a war or battle, we don’t just send our troops out, we send them to where the enemy is located," said Indianapolis public safety director Frank Straub.

Some question whether the department has enough staff to execute that plan.

“It’s been safe, but I don’t want them to move anyone away," said Indianapolis resident Johnny Smith. "I would like to keep them close by."

Straub is adamant he has enough officers to execute his plan, noting nearly 1,600 officers are on staff with the department.

“Staffing levels area a very fluid process," he said. "That happens to any department in the country.”

Currently the southwest district is practicing zone policing. Straub said he is confident that crime will decrease once all six districts are zone policing.

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