Organizing Chaos
After spending a few days away for quality time with the lovely Mrs. Shabazz, we return to our regularly scheduled pontificating on local government. And of course that means a look at what’s been going on with public safety. Between news conferences, umpteen rallies, bugs that don’t work, internal tug-of-wars, we have to admit it’s the stuff that keeps Indianapolis interesting. So with all this going on, I figured the best way to do this is to go down the list of key players and offer up an opinion and some advice.
Mayor Greg Ballard
Good job in stepping up this past weekend and getting in front of the situation. Your announcements about the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reforms as well as speaking at the Sunday biker rally were the right moves to do. You need to keep the momentum going and stay in front of the news. You ran on public safety and this issue can and will make or break your administration. The last thing you want to do is adopt a “bunker” mentality. Also, there is only so much your public safety director and chief of police can do, you are the Mayor and you have to be the face of the city during this time of crisis in public safety confidence. Do not let your opponents control the news cycle. If you don’t speak out on a regular basis, your opponents will gladly fill the void. Also, you know as I do that there are differing opinions in your administration on how to handle this situation and that has led to some serious internal strife at times. My advice, listen to all sides, make an informed decision and stick with it. At the end of the day, you run the show.
Public Safety Director Frank Straub & Chief Paul Ciesielski
I have never believed in conspiracies, so I am not going to start now. I don’t think either of you would purposely cover-up anything because in the 21st Century, information has a way of leaking out, and only an idiot would try to hide information that would eventually get out. I would make it a point to be as open and honest with the public as possible and putting out every bit of information you can. I frankly don’t mind hearing about bad officers, because I’d be more worried if the information never got out. I know there is some bad blood that has built up with the Fraternal Order of Police leadership lately, but like in the film ‘The Defiant Ones” you both are chained together and will need each other to survive.
Fraternal Order of Police
Guys, I know a lot of you have issues with some of the reforms that are being proposed as well as your public image right now. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but right now it’s best that if you remind the rank and file to do everything by the book, on and off duty. There are a lot of people in this town who traditionally have supported law enforcement who are at best skeptical. We all agree that 90% of officers are doing their jobs, but you’re going to have to step up and help deal with the other 10% that are causing grief and hassle for the rest of you. And as much as some of you have issues with the Chief and Public Safety Director, you may want to read the last sentence in the above paragraph.
City-Council Republicans
Good move on the reform proposal. Stay engaged. I would not rule out the Democrats’ idea of a bi-partisan investigative panel, but I would wait until after the current investigations have been completed.
City-Council Democrats
I’m going to surprise you guys and say for once, you have an idea that makes sense. It would be nice if you had more of them over the past three years. I think a bi-partisan panel to review the Bisard case is a good idea, once you get all the facts in and the current investigations are completed.
Baptist Ministers Alliance of Indianapolis
I’ve got a special post written just for you, so stay tuned.
The General Public
You are well within your rights to be mad and skeptical at the events of late. Keep demanding accountability and transparency. But also remember, the average officer is a decent man or woman who gets up everyday and puts his or her life on the line to keep us safe. And out of 1700 employees, someone is bound to cross the line. We should support officers who are doing their jobs and continue to call for the removal of those who won’t do their jobs and violate the public trust.
