Connect with us

Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis recognized for integrating AI into city government operations

Published

on

Indianapolis recognized for integrating AI into city government operations


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis has been recognized with a Smart Cities North America Award for its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into city operations, a project initiated by the city’s AI Commission in December 2023.

The award is from the International Data Corp.

The AI Commission was proposed by Republican Minority Leader Michael Paul Hart, who works full-time in information technology. The commission’s goal is to explore ways to use AI to enhance government functions, and since its inception, the city has been gradually incorporating AI into everyday tasks.

“Everything started to come quick and fast with generative type of technologies and the concern I hear from my constituents a lot is what does that mean for Indianapolis,” said Hart, highlighting the impetus for the commission’s formation.

Advertisement

So far, Indianapolis has implemented AI in small ways, but there are considerations for larger applications, such as using AI to identify potholes.

“How do we take one of these cameras, face it down, so it’s looking at roads and not people, because that is a big concern, and catalogue where these things are,” Hart said.

The city plans to train employees on generative AI, hire a chief privacy officer and chief data officer, and try out Microsoft Co-Pilot to improve efficiency in tasks like writing emails and managing spreadsheets.

The IDC told Hart, “The way that you’re moving forward as a city and handling this type of work is a very prudent approach to the implementation of technology and we want to award you the smart cities award for the administration of artificial intelligence.”

While there are no concrete plans for future AI implementations, the city and its commission are exploring approaches to responsibly integrate AI into municipal operations.

Advertisement

The Indianapolis-Marion County Information Services Agency is leading the AI implementation efforts. Collin Hill, the chief information officer, said in a statement, “This IDC Smart Cities Award reflects our commitment to understanding and implementing AI with thoughtful and responsible approaches.”



Source link

Indianapolis, IN

Silver Alert declared for 16-year-old boy missing from Indianapolis

Published

on

Silver Alert declared for 16-year-old boy missing from Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Robert Williams Jr., a 16-year-old Black male who is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds, has black hair with brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a gray coat, blue sweat pants, and black tennis shoes.

Williams Jr. is missing from Indianapolis, and was last seen on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

Investigators ask that anyone with information on Williams Jr. contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department at 317-327-6541 or 911.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Indianapolis, IN

The City of Indianapolis’ “Indy Peace Fellowship” 2025 review

Published

on

The City of Indianapolis’ “Indy Peace Fellowship” 2025 review


INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Peace Fellowship is an initiative from the city, providing solutions to reduce gun violence in our city.

WRTV spoke with Dane Nutty, President & CEO of the Indy Public Safety Foundation, about its efforts in 2025 and continued targets ahead for 2026.

“A lot of times, you have an idea of what the community wants, you have an idea of what people need, and so, we certainly have a significant engagement with the community daily,” Nutty said.

WATCH FULL STORY BELOW

Advertisement

The City of Indianapolis’ “Indy Peace Fellowship” 2025 review

Finding solutions to gun violence has been one of the city’s biggest hurdles.

“This year that we’re looking at annual data, we’re over 20% reduction in criminal homicides and nearly 30% reduction in non-fatal shootings, but again, I think it’s a testament to the investments that have been made over the last three to five years and really lifting not only targeted intervention but also community voices in violence intervention,” Nutty said.

Advertisement

Nutty said that the relationships built with the community, IMPD and organizations throughout the years helped foster greater results in 2025.

“I think after the first couple of years, you know, when you launch a really huge new strategy, it takes a little time to kind of cement those partnerships and ensure that we’re being most effective and intentional with our work, and we’ve really seen that come into play this year,” Nutty said.

Looking ahead to 2026, Nutty said his team will continue to review data daily to help cultivate the best outcome.

“We might have an incident in the community that results in either the potential for retaliation or, you know, some additional trauma that that neighborhood or that community has incurred,” Nutty said.

OPHS

Advertisement
Indy Peace Fellowship

Every year, Indy Peace Fellowship’s goal is to reduce homicides by 10%.

“As of today, we’re down over 20% in criminal homicides year to date, so we’re certainly, again. We’re happy that we met that goal. That doesn’t mean that the work has completed, right? That we can just say, ‘Hey, we’ve done it all, we’ve fixed the problem.’ There’s a lot of work to move forward,” Nutty said.

Nutty added that they are seeing nearly a 30% reduction year-over-year in non-fatal shootings. Further proving that community outreach and targeted impact are working.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Indianapolis, IN

IMPD officer charged with operating vehicle while intoxicated after showing up to work smelling of alcohol

Published

on

IMPD officer charged with operating vehicle while intoxicated after showing up to work smelling of alcohol


INDIANAPOLIS — An officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI).

According to a news release from IMPD, Bryan Gibson, an officer with the department, arrived at the department’s southeast district in his personal vehicle on the evening of Dec. 10 for a scheduled administrative duty shift.

When Gibson arrived, the department alleges that Gibson smelled like alcohol. After an investigation from the department’s OVWI unit, the special investigations unit and internal affairs, the release said that Gibson was determined to be under the influence of alcohol.

On Dec. 11, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey suspended Gibson without pay and recommended his termination to the department’s civilian police merit board.

Advertisement

The release said that at the time of the incident, Gibson was assigned to administrative duty. Officials said that Gibson did not have police powers while under administrative investigation for an unrelated personnel matter.

On Wednesday, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office officially filed charges against Gibson for:

  • Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
  • Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

Gibson’s initial hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026, the release said.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending