Councilman Has 'Smith And Wesson' To Deal With Merger Vote Threats

INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis city councilman says he has been receiving threatening e-mail about his decision to support the merger of the Indianapolis Police Department with the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

Last month, Scott Keller helped defeat the ordinance. But, after getting assurances that the merged department would have a merit system for hiring and promotions, Keller is switching sides to vote for the plan.

Keller was asked if he had the political courage to go through with his vote change despite e-mail threats.

"I do, and for those really hateful e-mails, I have a Smith and Wesson," Keller said.

There will be a public hearing on the merger at the City-County Building Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The Fraternal Order of Police is mobilizing to fight the plan again.