[ScanIndiana] Sheriff would run metropolitan police force

[indiana_scanner_freak at suscom.net]

Two arms of local law enforcement -- the Marion County Sheriff's Department and the Indianapolis Police Department -- would become one under Mayor Bart Peterson's consolidation plan.

In a dramatic move, the elected sheriff -- not the mayor -- would have day-to-day control over the Indianapolis metropolitan police force. That combined force would have 1,600 officers.

The proposal, which requires approval by the General Assembly, could increase taxes in suburban portions of Indianapolis now policed by the sheriff, though city officials said they do not have specifics.

"Every single person in the county will have a new police department," Peterson said. "Residents will get more efficient and effective policing services, particularly in the outlying areas of the county."

For residents, the merger could put more officers on the street -- as some managers and special team members are reassigned to beats -- which could translate into faster responses and less government spending.

That could address Democratic Sheriff Frank Anderson's pleas for an additional 250 deputies -- a request that would otherwise take $20 million to fulfill, city officials estimate.

IPD has 1,230 sworn officers, while the Sheriff's Department has 408.

City officials estimate taxpayers could save $9.7 million by consolidating the police forces and argue that suburban residents -- especially in the outlying areas -- will receive more service for their money.

Public safety is local government's largest expense, with $117.5 million spent on IPD operations in 2004 and an additional $90 million spent for the Sheriff's Department, which includes jail costs.

Under the plan, Peterson would relinquish control of IPD to the sheriff but would make two of three appointments to a new police commission with broad oversight over long-term policy.

The commission also would approve a chief of police, who would oversee policing and report to the sheriff. The chief of police is now appointed by the mayor.

The third appointment would be made by the City-County Council, currently controlled by Democrats. The sheriff would sit on the commission but not vote.

Anderson could not be reached for comment.

It is unusual for mayors to give up control of a police force, as executives are often held accountable for crime. Jacksonville, Fla. -- another consolidated city -- is one example where the sheriff controls city police.

Many details of the plan -- including whether officers would have one uniform and one car design -- are being worked out.

The biggest question -- and potential stumbling block -- is how the plan would affect tax rates in suburban Indianapolis. Past efforts to merge the two departments' taxing districts have run into opposition from politicians representing those areas.

Republican City-County Councilman Scott Schneider, who sits on the council's public safety committee and represents eastern Washington Township, opposed consolidating the taxing districts when the idea came up in 2002.

"I don't know all the details, but what it really represents is this: There will be no benefit to the taxpayers of my district other than higher taxes," he said. "There's really going to be a lot of fight against this."



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