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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 26, 2014) — Mayor Greg Ballard and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced their strategy to reduce crime this summer. Many of these initiatives are already underway, but the department is stepping up its efforts.

The 2014 summer crime reduction plan will involve numerous agencies including the FBI and U.S. Attorney. Police Chief Rick Hite said they need to focus on more than law enforcement tactics. City leaders are concerned about social issues and factors that contribute to crime, which is why the plan includes community outreach programs.

“We need to spread the word that being a criminal in Indianapolis is no longer acceptable,” said Hite.

Police are stepping up uniform patrols in high crime areas. The summer crime plan will focus on these hotspots by using a variety of police resources; some are already in use.

The department recently added a full-time SWAT team made up of 13 officers and three sergeants. FOX59 followed the team Wednesday night as officers executed two high-risk warrants as part of ongoing narcotics investigations. This is the city’s first full-time SWAT team since 2001.

“That’s the main thing right now is that they’re out here with enough of them to actually make a difference and to help out the districts with what problems is might have,” said Lt. Tom Sellas, SWAT commander.

According to the city, more than 83% of homicide victims and 90% of suspects had criminal histories. The past 18 months have showed these criminals are not afraid to fight back. One officer was killed, eight have wounded and 22 have been shot at.

“Making Indy neighborhoods safer is our top priority,” said Mayor Ballard. “IMPD’s 2014 summer plan focuses heavily on the use of strategic law enforcement tactics in known hotspots as well as community partner involvement to help people make better choices in life.”

Last year’s summer plan resulted in approximately 1,300 arrests with more than 2,400 charges filed. During that time officers seized more than 220 illegally possessed guns.

“IMPD is committed to helping those in our community that wish to seek a positive path in their lives. IMPD is equally committed to removing individuals from our streets that choose to threaten or degrade our community in any way,” said Public Safety Director Troy Riggs. “The men and women of IMPD continue to do good work for the citizens of Indianapolis and I believe the summer plan will further that good work.”