The Indiana State Police have implemented a new specialized approach to combat crime in the Indianapolis and Marion County areas. After a year of implementation, the results demonstrate that the All Crimes Policing Squad has become a proactive force in helping to solve crime in the local communities, Scripps reports. Each squad is comprised of experienced officers with expertise in drug, firearms, and criminal investigation. “We try to work all different cases not specific to just drugs or firearms – when we wrap up a case, we are using it to build further cases and track crime,” Sgt. Nate Raney with Indiana State Police. Sergeant Raney is also a part of ISP Indianapolis District's All Crimes Policing Squad. “A lot of violent crimes are connected to drug crimes," Raney said. "Whether it be somebody committing a burglary to fuel a habit or somebody getting retaliation for a drug crime."
Raney says the squad works with other police agencies, like the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, to find out what areas need the most attention and need an added police presence. The unit also determines which areas of the city are impacted by violent crime, and focuses on those areas. According to Raney, the unit coordinates with other police departments, such as the Metropolitan Police Department, to determine priority areas that require additional police resources. They also determine which neighborhoods are particularly affected by violent crime and focus on those areas. “It’s knowing the areas to work and recognizing human behavior,” Raney added. He says state police have seen a huge increase in drug issues this year, specifically cocaine, as well as a lot of firearms violations and shooting crimes. "We are just trying to do what we can for the community and give back and make a difference,” Raney said.