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IMPD pulls the plug on recruitment video

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – It’s a spin-off of Star Wars.  

The cast members include officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The message is clear. They are encouraging men and women to apply to IMPD. The video is part of a series of video all aimed at recruitment. 

However, the video received a complaint.

Aaron Williams emailed Mayor Joe Hogsett and IMPD Chief Bryan Roach. He questioned the lack of diversity in the video which included an all white cast. In the letter, he took IMPD to task for not including Blacks, Hispanic/ Latinos, Asians, and Sikhs. 

“What made me pause is the lack of diversity and inclusion in the video,” said Williams. 

Shortly after sending the letter, IMPD pulled the video, and later sent a response to WISH-TV:

IMPD is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with Indianapolis residents and engaging in conversations that help to shape our department’s work. After hearing from some in the community that a recent IMPD recruitment video wasn’t representative of the diversity and inclusivity we strive for, we made the decision to discontinue its use. We encourage continued dialogue between our department and the people of Indianapolis as we work together to build stronger, safer neighborhoods. – IMPD

WISH-TV did a search, and discovered over the years IMPD has done recruitment videos with the goal to recruit minorities. Recently, IMPD has made recruiting minorities a priority in each class. 

Williams made it clear he didn’t want the video to come down. He just wanted to talk with IMPD about it.