INDIANAPOLIS - Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) in partnership with the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) and various agencies work to care for homeless citizens in the Downtown area.
Public Safety Alert: Public Health and Safety Agencies are working to care for vulnerable populations- during extreme cold weather.
Incident location: Downtown District.
Involved Citizen: Homeless Citizens.
Community Message: INDIANAPOLIS –As a reminder, City agencies, Public Safety, Hospital and Homeless Outreach units are out in full force during these cold days and nights. The Homeless Outreach unit has been patrolling areas where the homeless frequent; offering opportunities for transportation to shelters, to those in need. Officers will supply anyone who wishes to remain where they are, a warming kit which includes a wool blanket, hat, gloves and hand warmers to assist them during these frigid temperatures. Participating agencies include - Office of the Mayor, Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS), Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), IMPD Homeland Security, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Homeless Outreach unit and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department (MCSO). Additional agencies collaborating in this city wide effort include, the Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation, IU Health and the Professional Blended Street Outreach program, which consists of over twenty-two (22) different agencies. Each year the Professional Blended Street Outreach Team serves hundreds of citizens, connecting residents to much needed resources. During extreme cold weather events, additional patrols are implemented to aid in keeping our vulnerable populations safe and identifying additional measures that may be necessary. Lastly, people in need of additional assistance are asked to call 211 for shelters in the area or for home heating assistance.
Media Contact: Sgt. Christopher Wilburn
Public Affairs Office: 317.327.3424
