INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police chief released a video statement Monday night
In Chief Bryan Roach’s 8-minute video, he informs the community that two investigations into the incident are underway and that the department is looking into best practices on use of force.
"We are exploring outside independent investigation reviews of officer involved shootings and how we investigate those," he said. “We are also committed to review IMPD training including but limited to use of force, mental illness and implicit bias."
Roach is focused on four areas - training, transparency, engagement and accountability.
“I thought it was important the public know that right after the press conference we began meeting with community leaders and have continued to do that up until today,” said Roach. “We want people to know we are working and striving to make change and not just waiting on those processes to complete.”
Roach also encouraged the community to watch his first press conference that happened following the shooting so they can better understand the investigation process. You can watch the video at the bottom of the story.
Bailey was shot Thursday around 1:45 a.m. when his vehicle was pulled over near the intersection of Burdsal Parkway and Riverside Drive.
Police said Bailey fled from police and led them on a brief chase that ended when he crashed into a tree near the intersection of 23th Street and Aqueduct Street.
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According to Roach, the two officers then fired “multiple” rounds at the vehicle, hitting Bailey. He was taken to Eskenazi Hospital where he later died.
No weapon was found inside the vehicle.
Several organizations and individuals in the Indianapolis community have reacted to the shooting and have demanded to know why Bailey was shot.
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The chief said in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office has been meeting with faith and civic leaders. The department's goal is to gain advice and make recommendations.
To that end, the chief says his fellow officers will face the coming days with courage and grace.
"A lot of times we are not sure why we are where we are at - and we try to make sense of it. I find myself and others in the community thinking about and make sense where we find ourselves. I think it's how we face these challenges and how we work through them, the difficult events as we work though them I think they are building blocks for our future," said Roach.
People attending two of the meetings with the city have described them as “candid” and “productive.”
You can watch Roach’s full video statement below:
