Indianapolis To Shift More Police To Streets

Public safety officials plan to shift dozens of police officers from offices to the streets in an effort to quell a rise in violent crime.

Mayor Greg Ballard, Public Safety Directory Troy Riggs and Police Chief Rick Hite announced the initiative Monday at a police station on the city' east side, a high-crime area.

Ballard says crime overall has been declining in recent years, but police are concerned about a spike in shootings this year. The city has seen 70 shootings this year and recorded 16 homicides in June. 

Hite says police need help from ministers and parents to combat the root causes of violence.

Two men were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds Saturday, two days after a 16-year-old was fatally shot downtown after a fireworks show.