Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 October 2005 — Page 4

PAGE A4

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2005

FAITH ► Continued from Page 1 The intention was to let the ministers experience firsthand some of the issues that IPD encountered after a major event in downtown Indianapolis. It was also an opportunity to allow the ministers to assist with keeping a level of dignity and respect in the crowds. “We told the police that we wanted to make sure that the young children were not mistreated,” said Fitzhugh Lyons, pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. “We also want to make sure that the children were acting right.” On Oct. 1 approximately 45 ministers participated. The ministers patrolled in two hour shifts beginning at 9 p.m. and ending at 3 a.m. On that evening ministers met at the Indianapolis Urban League parking lot, received abadge that read “Faith Based Patrol” and instructions from Darryl Pierce, deputy chief of IPD, East District. The Indianapolis Recorder was invited along. As the buses entered the area of patrol, they were met by a sea of young people. Officials estimated the crowd at approximately 10,000.

Upon scoping the crowd the majority of the individuals were youth between the ages of 8 to 18 years. We hope that if we can keep some kids from being arrested then that is important,” said Melvin Girton, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church. “They are here to have fun.” As Girton was talking, he witnessed a confrontation between a police officer and a group of youth. One of the young girls is screaming about her brother who had j ust been the victim of a fight. Girton and his group of ministers approached the scene and immediately the children begin to calm down. They eventually retreat and begin walking away. “Most kids are out here trying to have a good time,” said Chief Spears. “With this large crowd it doesn’t present the safest environment.” “We have our highest ranking officers out here tonight patrolling the area to make sure that everyone is treated fairly,” said Cliff Meyers, IPD deputy chief of operations. “Arrests are our last resort,” he said. One of the main points of conten-

tion was the north and south corners ofMarylandand Illinois. It appeared to be an area for congregating. “Our goal is to keep the crowd moving,” said Wyatt, IPD assist chief. It was almost 10 p.m. and the mall had closed which meant that additional youth hadjoinedthe masses outside. “When the mall closed the children just move from corner to corner,” he said. “We have had some fights occur, both male and female.” According to Wyatt, the police had gang units stationed in high rises, police were patrolling on bikes, motorcycles, horses, and walking. Several officers emphasized that while there are established curfew laws, it was hard to enforce them with crowds that size. “Many of the children are waiting for their parents to come and get them,” said Wyatt. While interviewing Wyatt, a call came across his radio, that there was a gun fired on West Washington Street. Fortunately, nobody was injured. Across the street from where Wyatt was stationed, a group of ministers had joined the police in directing

traffic. The crowd seemed to adhere to the ministers’ requests. “Keep moving.” “No you can’t cross here.” “Brother watch your language.” Frank Moore, pastor of University Spiritually Alive Church, was one the ministers directing traffic. He also happened to have three children in the crowd that night. “I’m determined to help,” he said. “The ministers’ presence with IPD is making a difference. This partnership lets the community know that the police and African-American community are working together in a positive way to prevent violence. We have a common goal and that is to stop violence and at the same time prevent any further tears between the police and Black community.” The ministers had a firsthand encounter when a teen girl defied the police officer and ministers’ order to not cross the street. Refusing to adhere to the order, she continued to cross the street to get into her mother’s van. The officers grabbed the girl and pulled her to the curb; the mother jumped out of the van and proceeded to yell “that is my

daughter.” The ministers talked to the girl and convinced the mother to get back in her van. The youth was released and got in the van and left. According to Eugene Anderson, assistant deputy mayor of special events, this is a great opportunity to see our ministers assisting the police department. “It is a testimony to community policing,” he said. “The entire community needs to be involved. Today we have had approximately 360 officers detailed in the downtown.” “I love the fact that the church is involved in providing a common goal and this is safety for all who are downtown,” said Marcia Bennett, general manager of special events for Indiana Black Expo. Rev. Harrison, who worked the 1 to 3 a.m. shift, said that he was appalled at what he witnessed with youth. “As an African American and minister I was not prepared for what I witnessed. The disrespect of the children, the number of children carrying guns, the language and the way that.

QFIRST INDIANA BANK YULETIDE

^(felebration

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Jack Everly, Music Director Sandi Patty, Host

Visit lndianapolisSymphony.org or call 639.4300 for tickets (Outside central Indiana call 800.366.8457) Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.

Benefits Workshop For Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans at Tile Julia Carson Center 5>O>0> E- Fallereek. (Key Bank Bldg. I 2nd Floor

Saturday, October J5tlt, 2003 flCECM) 1 am - 2sO>Q> pm Phone : 5S8-5®55 Vietnam and Coilfi War Veterans are the Cargest Benefactors! Download! Applications at www.odudQstinatlons.coni or call 3-flft-St€*,*.* REGISTRATION FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT MY UNCLE S PLACE ON E. 38TH STREET AND ECT.... SALON ON 52ND & ALLISIONVILLE RD. VA CELEBRATION AT CLUB GRAND OCTOBER 9TH (3400 MASSACHUSETTS AVE.)

[EMmTO&ML DISTlfMTQOMS

BUTLER UNIVERSITY PRESENTS HONORED SESQUICENTENNIAL SPEAKER FORMER PRESIDENT William J. Clinton Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005 Hinkle Fieldhouse Butler University Ticket holders must be in their seats by 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available to the public beginning Monday, October 10 at 10 a.m. at the Clowes Memorial Hall box office. The ticket line will form at 8 a.m. on the east side of Clowes Memorial Hall. Please refrain from overnight camping.

Co-sponsored by the ColObrStlOH Of DlVOrSlty Distinguished Lecture Series

SESQUICENTENNIAL

fm BUTLER W UNIVERSITY

PAfiF tt A4

OYAN MAOFNTA

Rl ATK