Local clergy begins dialogue to prevent violence
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Local leaders are trying to start a dialogue about what’s happening in Baton Rouge and Dallas.
While high-profile shootings haven’t happened in Indianapolis, they said they’re bringing in different groups to do the best they can to improve police-public relations.
“As long as we keep a broken relationship, nothing positive is going to happen,” said Rev. David Greene, the president of The Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis. “It starts with a relationship and relationships are built on communication.”
Rev. Greene is also the pastor at Purpose of Life Ministries. He said he’s never seen police relations this bad.
“I’m deeply concerned about where we are because I’m not sure any place will be safe if we continue down this path,” said Rev. Greene.
On Monday, the group invited local leaders and politicians, including John Gregg to discuss the issues.
“We’re just in here talking about issues,” said Gregg. We’re going to be just listening and learning. Someone running for governor, that’s what we do.”
“I understand where the police is coming from, but if they dig in their heels and say well we’re not working with the community, and it’s us against them, and Black Lives Matter is a negative thing and the cause of all this, what you just said to a young African American is, your life don’t matter,” said Rev. Greene.
“We can have all the demonstrations we want, but until we have a conversation, and some legislation that moves us forward, we’re going to have further frustration,” said City-County Councilor Stephen Clay.
Part of that conversation has already started. IMPD Chief Troy Riggs said on Sunday, it had to.
“In chaotic situations as we’re seeing in Dallas and we’re seeing in Baton Rouge, the criminal element thrives. We cannot allow that to happen,” said Riggs.
And with two cities reeling from violence, officers are calling on cooler heads to prevail.
“I just challenge people to do good for their communities, not just for the police but be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” said Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine.
IMPD said one of the reasons why we haven’t seen the widespread violence in Indianapolis is because of differences in policing. They said it includes the beat system that was put in place a few months ago.
