IMPD Unveils 5-Year Plan to Redefine Public Safety in Indianapolis

The new strategic plan aims to transform policing and strengthen community trust.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has launched a comprehensive five-year strategic plan to transform policing in the city. The plan includes a revised mission statement, priorities focused on officer wellness, technology investments, and strengthening community trust. Department leaders say the plan was developed after gathering input from over 2,200 community members and 1,500 IMPD employees, with the goal of turning public concerns into actionable strategies.

Why it matters

This plan represents a significant shift in IMPD's approach to public safety, moving beyond just crime reduction to redefining what safety means for Indianapolis residents. By focusing on officer wellness, community partnerships, and addressing root causes of crime, the department aims to build greater trust and legitimacy within the community.

The details

The new strategic plan includes priorities such as improving officer retention and recruitment, investing in technology, and strengthening community relationships. IMPD Chief Tanya Terry said "Everything is on the table when it comes to our approach and our response to everything within our community." The plan was developed after extensive community and employee input, with the goal of transforming public concerns into actionable strategies.

  • The strategic plan was officially launched in February 2026.

The players

Tanya Terry

The chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, who is leading the implementation of the new 5-year strategic plan.

Will Ogburn

An Indianapolis resident who lives near a recent crime scene, expressing both unease about the incident and comfort in knowing IMPD is actively working throughout the city.

Dafney Lavache

The CEO and founder of Nan Lakou Indiana, a community organization that has been able to connect with IMPD as part of the strategic planning process.

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What they’re saying

“Everything is on the table when it comes to our approach and our response to everything within our community.”

— Tanya Terry, Police Chief (wrtv.com)

“I feel good because I was able to be connected with the police, so I could see that they are listening to me. If they listen to me, that's listening to my whole community as a whole.”

— Dafney Lavache, CEO and Founder, Nan Lakou Indiana (wrtv.com)

“It can make me feel more comfortable to know that they are at work and all over Indianapolis doing their job.”

— Will Ogburn (wrtv.com)

What’s next

The new strategic plan is designed to be implemented over the next 5 years, with regular progress updates and community engagement to ensure the plan remains responsive to evolving public safety needs.

The takeaway

IMPD's new strategic plan represents a significant shift towards a more holistic, community-driven approach to public safety in Indianapolis. By prioritizing officer wellness, strengthening partnerships, and addressing root causes of crime, the department aims to build greater trust and legitimacy with residents, transforming how safety is defined and delivered in the city.