AG’s office joins TenPoint Coalition’s celebration of year without homicide in Far Eastside Indy neighborhood

The Office of the Attorney General on Monday joined the Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition, law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local residents to celebrate one year without a homicide in a Far Eastside Indianapolis community in the area of 42^nd Street and Post Road.

“The TenPoint Coalition continues to do incredible work for this community,” Attorney General Curtis Hill said. “They make a huge impact in Hoosier neighborhoods by spending time directly with those most at risk of engaging in dangerous and/or violent behavior.”

Rev. Charles Harrison, leader of the Indianapolis TenPoint Coalition, praised local police and others for working in partnership with TenPoint toward achieving mutual goals.

“This is a collaborative effort that has helped curb the pattern of violence and the root causes behind it,” said Rev. Harrison. “We are creating safer neighborhoods where people will no longer have to live in fear.”

In Indianapolis, TenPoint has markedly reduced urban youth gun violence in neighborhoods where the initiative has been utilized.

“Today we celebrate TenPoint’s success in this neighborhood,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “Those who represent TenPoint will tell you that without support from law enforcement generally and the Attorney General’s office in particular, days like today wouldn’t be possible. It also involves the neighborhoods and the community activists.”

Chief Bryan Roach of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department expressed the same theme.

“‘Working together works’ is what I’ve always heard from Rev. Harrison,” Chief Roach said. “I appreciate Pastor James Jackson and all those working together in our neighborhoods to curb violence in our city.”

Monday’s press conference was hosted at Fervent Prayer Church, where Pastor Jackson serves.

“About a year ago, we gathered together with the goal of reducing and preventing juvenile crime and overall crime on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis,” Jackson said. “We’re very excited and happy to report that we have been able to do just that out of collaboration with many community partners. It is our prayer and our hope we will be able to continue.”

Lawrence Police Chief David Hofmann said he has seen significant improvements in the area.

“Partnerships such as the one we enjoy with the TenPoint Coalition truly improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” he said. “We certainly see that is the case in the area of 42^nd Street and Post Road,”

Multiple police agencies have contributed to the cause, said Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier.

“This is a great example of the cooperation that exists between IMPD and LPD,” Collier said. “It’s a tough area for both of us. You hear so much bad news, but now we’re seeing things trending in a better way, and we want to celebrate that.”

An area resident expressed gratitude for changes she has witnessed at Meadowlark Apartments, where she resides with four children.

“It feels safer,” said Chaquita Croney. “My kids and I can sit outside without having to worry about hearing gunshots. I feel better now.”

Extensive conversations in 2017 between Attorney General Hill and Rev. Harrison led to a partnership via which the Office of the Indiana Attorney General now provides logistical and financial support to neighborhood organizations that commit to following TenPoint principles.

Chief of Staff Mary Beth Bonaventura represented Attorney General Hill at today’s event. State Sen. Jim Merritt also attended.