Unholstered

Homicide Detectives AKA "Murder Police" are responsible for investigating all deaths or near deaths that appear to be suspicious in nature and all batteries by the use of a firearm.  It is imperative that detectives in this division work well with outside agencies such as county police, state police, the FBI, DEA and ATF so solve these crimes.

When it comes to solving a crime, that is already be a tedious process, but it is even more challenging for homicide detectives as they face issues like fleeing suspects, evidence tampering, lack of evidence and lack of cooperation. So why do it? 

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Protective Orders (PO's) are similar to Restraining Orders, but they are not one and the same. In fact the statues for PO's change yearly. So when you pile the changing statues on top of everything else our officers need to know, knowledge becomes power when it comes to being able to file one. Especially if you are dealing with domestic violence, sex offenses, stalking, harassment or grooming. Anyone can walk in off the street or hop online to file a Protective Order. 

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Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has singed HB 1296 into law. This legislation repeals the handgun permit requirement for the state of Indiana. Meaning come July 1, anyone 18 or older (who is not otherwise prohibited) can carry a handgun without a permit in the Hoosier state, but what does this legislation mean for law enforcement?

Detective Mark DeShaies with the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Gang and Violent Crimes Unit is back with a look at how this legislation will impact day-to-day operations.

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HEA 1296 – Firearms Matter (previously HB 1077) has landed on the desk of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Similar legislation was just passed in Ohio and Alabama bringing the total number of constitutional carry states to 23.  

Governor Holcomb has yet to indicate if he will sign the legislation, but time is running out. However, if the legislation were to become law, anyone 18 or older (who is not otherwise prohibited) would be able to carry a handgun without a permit in the state of Indiana.

Doing away with this permit requirement, is something many law enforcement officers are not in favor of. Find out why.

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On the surface procedural justice does not sound “sexy” or “exciting,” but it truly is a positive movement when it comes to how people perceive police departments all across the country. Including in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Procedural justice is the idea of fairness in the processes that resolve disputes and allocate resources. This is often a topic not discussed as it pertains to the Fort Wayne Police Department, despite the FWPD having an entire program dedicated to community relations. More specifically, the FWPD hosts a class called “Procedural Justice and Legitimacy.” Community members, city officials and local activists are invited to these classes to talk about and address issues with law enforcement.

Hundreds of people have taken the procedural justice class on behalf of the FWPD department allowing officers to know what these residents need, who they are and what they want. 

If you have an issue with the FWPD, this is the episode for you.

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More and more Americans are starting to purchase firearms as more and more Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about their personal safety. According to the latest data from Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting, some 18 million guns had been purchased by the end of November 2021 and gun sales in 2021 overall outpaced every year except 2020, when 22.8 million guns were sold by the same point.  

Why are so many people purchasing their first firearm? COVID, rhetoric to defund police and fear have greatly triggered this surge. However, just because you own a gun, does not mean you are protected.

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When you think law enforcement, "yoga" is not often the first word that comes to mind. However, yoga is being used to heal our officers right here in our own backyard. 

The Three Rivers Yoga Foundation in Fort Wayne, IN has developed "Hero's Yoga." A unique class offered to first responders, police, fire, military, veterans and heath care workers and their spouses at Baptiste Power Yoga Fort Wayne. It is a unique class promoting mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing along with mindfulness thinking. 

Since police officers spend most of their days in a constant state of fight or flight, unable to come down from a hyper-state of alertness, yoga can help. Yoga helps them (and you) tap into their parasympathetic nervous system; the rest and digest system. When you tap into your rest and digest system, you can reach a calming, present place. 

Many officers have said these classes are "life changing." On and off the mat.

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Police killings are up and the stats are staggering. According to preliminary year-end data provided by the FBI, in 2021, 73 officers were killed in felonious killings. That is the highest number since 1995, excluding the 9/11 attacks. That number is also 59% over 2020. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page 63 officers were killed by gunfire and 17 killed by vehicular assault, bringing the total to 79. For 2022, so far 38 officers have been killed. No matter what way you look at it, intentional killings of law enforcement officers have reached a 20-year-high.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that we as a society recognize the toll these numbers are having on our police departments, officers, and their families.  

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For the past several years police officers have been collaborating with social workers all across the United States. However, several recent high-profile cases involving police officers have divided the country on the topic.

What is the answer? A mobile response team designed to support police officers dealing with nonviolent crisis situations.  

The Hope and Recovery Team (HART) in Fort Wayne, Indiana is a program made up of members of the greater Fort Wayne area community. Members like Darcy Robins. She along with a few others on this mobile response team, are often called-in by Detectives like Jeff Ripley with Fort Wayne Police Department. Once called upon, HART members help actively help residents of Allen County on their road to recovery with addiction from opioids and stimulants.

HART works independently, but is fully funded by grants and by the FWPD, with members dispatched on a 24/7 basis. As of right now the team is small, but they are making big changes. 

If you or someone you know is looking for support in an opioid and stimulant related situation please call The HART Line at 260-427-5801.

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Sexual assault is complicated and confusing – not to mention, difficult to talk about. Sexual assaults are the most under reported (and not talked about) crimes that include rape, fondling, molestation and any other sexual contact that is unwanted and non-consensual. Sometimes the difference between justice and injustice is a forensic nurse; A forensic nurse like Michelle Ditton.

Ditton is the CEO and CNO of the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center. From educational services to healthcare and legal options, these forensic nurses are making a difference for victims of sexual violence through the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Sexual Assaults now happen every 92 seconds. If you or someone you know needs help call the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center at  260-423-2222. 

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