INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police has pledged $25,000 toward a police interaction campaign following the conclusion of the court proceedings regarding the fatal shooting of Aaron Bailey by two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers last summer.
The police Merit Board ruled earlier this month that Officers Carlton “C.J.” Howard and Michael Dinnsen could return to work.
IMPD Chief Bryan Roach recommended the termination of officers Howard and Dinnsen in November following a unanimous finding by the department’s Firearm Review Board. A week earlier, a special prosecutor appointed in the case had announced he would not file criminal charges against either man.
READ | Civilian Merit Board clears IMPD officers in Aaron Bailey shooting
In his recommendation, Roach said Howard and Dinnsen violated IMPD policy when they shot Bailey, who was unarmed after he fled from a traffic stop near the intersection of Burdsal Parkway and Riverside Drive.
Following the hearing, Mayor Hogsett released a statement criticizing the Merit Board's decision and suggesting that changes need to be made.
"The fact that Chief Roach’s experienced, well-reasoned decision to terminate two officers has been overturned by the votes of five individuals highlights a Merit Board system that must be changed if we are to continue building bridges of trust between our brave police officers and the communities they proudly serve."
The Indianapolis Civilian Police Merit Board cleared both officers of wrongdoing in a 5-2 vote.
The president of the Indianapolis FOP said the mayor and other elected officials shouldn't be focused on changing the makeup of the Merit Board. Instead, the FOP plans to take a more positive and proactive approach to help the community move forward.
That includes:
- Allocating $25,000 to create a public education and awareness campaign about police stops
- Drafting a bill for the next legislative session that would have the BMV provide training on safe traffic stops
- Partnering with the "One Congregation-One Precinct" initiative to invite faith-based institutions to get involved in education about police interactions and to increase community engagement
Officers Howard and Dinnsen will return to work with the Indianapolis Police Department by the end of the summer.
FULL HEARING COVERAGE | In emotional testimony, officer recounts fatal shooting of Aaron Bailey | Officer in Aaron Bailey shooting: ‘I thought I was going to die that night’ | IMPD Chief Bryan Roach grilled at termination hearing for officers who shot Aaron Bailey
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