Weaver: Fix for Indiana’s police buffer law needs clearer standards
The need to protect an officer’s safety should be balanced against the rights of citizens and the media to document police work and bring attention to police abuses when they occur.
law enforcement
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Drowning in data: Attorneys grappling with increase in digital evidence
If you’re wanting to find out how prosecutor’s offices and law enforcement are doing in handling a growing amount of digital evidence, criminal defense attorney John Tompkins figures you could get 92 different answers — one for each of Indiana’s counties.
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In a time of need: Mental health crisis line raises questions about delegating provider, police responses
Federal legislation enacted in October 2020 designated 988 as the three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The shorter dialing number went live nationally on July 16, and calls in Indiana are answered at three crisis prevention centers.
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Addressing gun violence: Debates over firearms restrictions reignite with recent mass shootings in Texas, New York
Recent mass shootings have reignited debate over gun control laws across the country, including in Indiana, which is set to have a permitless handgun law go into effect July 1 despite public condemnation by law enforcement leaders and public safety groups.
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Naloxone vending machines designed to curb opioid overdose deaths
It took less than a week for Indiana’s first-ever naloxone vending machine to need a restock.
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Articles
Indiana officials unveil new scenario-based training village at state law enforcement academy
The new, $70 million addition to the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy provides a scenario-based training village that includes a mock liquor store and jail.
Tiny Kentucky town rocked as sheriff is jailed in the killing of prominent judge
It wasn’t clear what led to the shooting. The preliminary investigation indicates Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times following an argument inside the courthouse, according to Kentucky State Police.
Former Indiana sheriff Jamey Noel pleads guilty to 27 felony charges
Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel pleaded guilty to 27 of 31 felony charges in court Monday as part of a plea deal in a massive corruption case that could land him in prison for more than a decade.
Local election workers fear threats to their safety as November nears. One group is trying to help
A recent gathering in Traverse City, a picturesque community on the shores of Lake Michigan, was part of a national effort to train local election workers on how they can respond to threats and work with law enforcement to counter them.
Indianapolis police to step up enforcement of curfew law after weekend shootings
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will increase its enforcement of Indiana’s curfew law for those under the age of 18 following a shooting in downtown Indianapolis that wounded seven youths 16 and younger.
Criminal justice institute honors officers for drug-impaired driving prevention efforts
The 2023 Drug Recognition Expert of the Year Award, named after fallen Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Moore, was presented to Elkhart County Sheriff’s Deputy Casey Lehman.
Man convicted in 2022 shooting of Indianapolis police officer that wounded officer in the throat
A man accused of shooting an Indianapolis police officer in the throat during a shootout that followed a car crash has been convicted of attempted murder and other charges.
Marion County constable charged with theft, resisting, official misconduct
A Marion County constable is facing felony and misdemeanor charges for alleged theft and resisting law enforcement.
COA reverses declaratory judgment for officer facing discipline whose arrest was expunged
The Court of Appeals of Indiana has reversed declaratory judgment entered in favor of a law enforcement officer facing discipline following his arrest, even though that arrest was expunged.
Judge rejects plea deal by former Muncie police officer, who will now stand trial for 3rd time
A federal judge rejected a plea agreement Wednesday for a former Muncie police officer accused of trying to cover up another officer’s use of excessive force, setting the stage for his third trial in the case.
Death penalty charges dismissed against man accused of killing Indianapolis officer
A judge on Thursday granted the state’s motion to dismiss death penalty charges against a man charged with fatally shooting an Indianapolis police officer in 2020 because doctors have found him to be mentally ill.
State seeks to dismiss death penalty for man accused of killing Indianapolis cop
Prosecutors sought Wednesday to dismiss death penalty charges against a man charged with fatally shooting an Indianapolis police officer in 2020 because doctors have found him to be mentally ill.
Battery claim against Indianapolis can proceed in police excessive force case, federal judge rules
The estate of a woman who died after a struggle with Indianapolis police may pursue a battery claim at trial next month after a federal judge denied the city’s motion to dismiss.
Judge rules in favor of South Bend in 25-foot ‘buffer zone’ lawsuit
A federal judge on Friday rejected a request to block an Indiana law establishing a so-called “buffer zone” around law enforcement during official duties, a measure that includes both the public and the press.
3 Indiana officers justified in fatally shooting man who drove at officer, prosecutor says
Three southern Indiana police officers were justified when they shot and killed a man in September after he drove his car toward an officer who was on foot, a prosecutor says.
Ex-cop gets 14 months in jail in death of Elijah McClain
A judge sentenced an ex-Colorado police officer to 14 months in jail for his role in the death of Elijah McClain after hearing the young Black man’s mother on Friday call the officer a “bully with a badge” who will always have blood on his hands.
Elkhart, former law enforcement officers to pay $11.7M to settle Royer wrongful conviction case
The city of Elkhart and several former law enforcement officers have agreed to pay $11,725,000 to settle a wrongful conviction lawsuit filed by a man with an intellectual disability who was exonerated from a murder conviction after nearly 17 years in prison.
State files to dismiss media legal challenge to law enforcement “buffer zone”
The state’s highest legal office filed to dismiss a challenge Friday from a group of media entities to the state’s “buffer zone” law, which creates a 25-foot zone around law enforcement officers during certain activities.
Supreme Court rejects appeal of former Minneapolis police officer convicted of killing George Floyd
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin’s appeal of his conviction for second-degree murder in the killing of George Floyd.