INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on Saturday announced several changes in Indianapolis Metro Police Department policy he contends will rebuild and promote the public's trust in the embattled agency.

In a noon news conference, the mayor spelled out policy changes he claimed are transparent and will eliminate misconduct, excessive use of force and corruption.

"It is clear, loud and clear, this trust has been badly shaken by recent events. I am committed to restoring your trust in IMPD," Ballard said. "I do not tolerate police misconduct, the use of excessive force, or corruption. I will dismiss those officers and commanders who do not share my priorities and concerns."

Ballard said it will be mandatory for an officer to submit to a Breathalyzer test when involved in a crash.

Officers can no longer transport alcohol in their police vehicles, even when off duty. Officers will not be permitted to drink within eight hours of being on duty.

Officers will be told to report any knowledge of substance abuse among fellow officers to their superiors.

A new zero-tolerance policy will be implemented for any officer who is found to have an illegal substance in their system.

Ballard said the department will strive to make every officer aware of resources available to deal with stress and substance abuse issues.

The mayor had recently said he was frustrated by political grandstanding in the wake of the arrest of Officer David Bisard, who was on duty when he struck three motorcyclists stopped at a red light on Aug. 6, killing one and injuring the others.

In a blood test administered two hours after that crash, Bisard's blood-alcohol level registered 0.19, according to police, but that wasn't admissible evidence because proper procedures weren't followed in the procurement of the blood draw.

That incident came months after an incident involving a biracial boy in which Officer Jerry Piland was recommended for firing because, authorities said, he used unnecessary, excessive force.

"It will all make us a better police department," said Indianapolis Police Chief Paul Ciesielski. "It's a process that's going to take time."

The cases sparked an outcry in the community, spurred several protests and ignited calls for additional officers and administrators to be fired.

"I do refuse to resign, and the mayor hasn't asked me to resign," said Marion County Public Safety Director Frank Straub. "The calls are coming from a small, select group of people who have said it over and over again. At this point, we could just play the same tape over and over."

Ballard said he hopes the list of reforms are part of the solution to a simmering problem, but added that the focus must remain on public safety, not political posturing, and touted success in crime reduction, citing the three-month period of June, July and August having the lowest number of homicides for that timeframe in 20 years.

"This is a painful chapter for our city and police department," he said. "We will not heal overnight."

Before his remarks, Ballard asked for a moment of silence for Eric Wells, who died in the motorcycle crash, and for Mary Mills and Kurt Weekly, who were seriously injured.

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