New Indianapolis police chief addresses viral officer threat video

Before the newly appointed Indianapolis police chief was on the job long enough to attend her own confirmation hearing, Tanya Terry had a big controversy on her hands: the viral video of a Feb. 6 traffic stop in which an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer threatened to kill a 17-year-old motorist.

“I’m going to kill you,” a police officer said as he pulled the young man from his car. Police eventually seized a gun and some marijuana from a passenger, but the driver who made the threat did not have any contraband in his possession.

Although the department issued a statement expression In response to the video late on February 6, Terry first personally raised the issue before the City-County Council’s public safety committee on February 11.

“Let me be clear: The words used in that incident were unacceptable,” Terry told the 13-member panel. “…Context is important, but that doesn’t take away the impact of the words.”

IMPD’s first female leader, Tanya Terry, was sworn in as the new chief on February 2. Recommended for approval by vote by the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee on February 11; This decision will likely be made official without much discussion at the council’s March 2 meeting.

The Public Safety Committee, which meets in alternating neighborhoods, convened on February 11. former New Directions Church is about a 15-minute drive from the location of the traffic stop filmed.

Terry said the video did not capture the entire interaction, including “de-escalation efforts” that took place before and after shooting began.

IndyStar’s request for body-worn camera footage is still pending.

“Two things can be true at the same time. The language used is unacceptable and it is also unacceptable for children to possess firearms,” ​​Terry said. he said. “Holding officers accountable does not mean we ignore the real dangers that illegal guns pose in our society.”

An internal investigation is ongoing and the identity of the officer who made the threat has not been publicly disclosed.

Prominent civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, who represented Trevion Taylor, is investigating the case.

Terry weighs in on immigration and his vision

The rest of Terry’s conversation with council members included his plans for community engagement as the department’s leader, his visions for recruiting and officer morale. He added that IMPD’s new strategic plan will be published next week.

Before closing, Terry said he wanted to discuss another issue that has soured communities’ relationships with law enforcement across the country.

The department’s stance on immigration enforcement has not changed, and IMPD has not entered into any agreements with federal agencies to conduct immigration operations.

“Our mission is local public safety, and that means protecting everyone in our city,” Terry said.

When the floor was opened for public comment, a handful of audience members rose to their feet to voice their unwavering support for the new chief.

“Just like we heard today, when concerns were raised about an officer’s conduct or a traffic stop, he addressed the issue head on. This shows accountability and commitment to professional standards, which is what we need in our city,” said Aaron Williams, a Haughville business owner. he said.

The council voted unanimously to recommend Terry. A confirmation hearing will be held in front of the full City-County council on March 2.

Ryan Murphy is IndyStar’s community reporter. He can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.

This article first appeared in the Indianapolis Star: New police chief Tanya Terry addresses viral traffic stop video