INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department saw the largest share of the mayor’s proposed $1.7 billion budget unveiled Monday.

A decision on the proposed budget from the City-County Council was expected Oct. 6. If approved by the City-County Council, IMPD’s 2026 budget could be set at $358 million, a $20 million boost from 2024.

Police Chief Chris Bailey on Tuesday said the budget would allow IMPD to remain focused on reducing violent crime and to continue investments into technology and officer safety and wellness.

“Priorities remain the same for the rest of this year. Going into 2026, it could change a little bit, and that’s pursuing violent offenders, building trust through transparency, community engagement, recruiting and retention of the best and brightest both professional and sworn staff, and leveraging our technology to fill the gaps where we don’t have people,” Bailey said.

Although Bailey didn’t give an exact amount, he said a large sum of the budget, if approved, would go to an increase in pay and benefits for department personnel. Other money would go toward supplies for day-to-day operations, and equipment costs such as vehicle purchases.

“We remain committed to using every single dime efficiently to enhance public safety throughout our city,” Bailey said.

IMPD continues to an officer shortage, of about 300, but Bailey was hopeful the budget, if approved, would help with recruitment, training and staff retention. “The tide is turning a little bit, but it’s going to take us a while here to get it moving. We’re going to have three classes next year, so hopefully two lateral classes as well. Also, five opportunities to bring on sworn staff in 2026 and beyond.”

There was no money allocated in the proposed budget for new technology, Bailey said. The budgeted money, if approved, would go toward maintaining what the department uses now, including cameras and license plate readers.

“The only way we will add more technology is if we find ways to manipulate that within our existing budget, so that’s contract negotiations, that’s whatever that is,” he said.

Bailey said past investments in specialized units that focus on gun violence, overdoses, mental health and homelessness have worked. He says the proposed budget includes money for those programs — including the Indy Peace program and community crime prevention grants — to continue.

“We’ve seen a 24% reduction in criminal homicides year-over-year and about a 50% reduction in criminal homicides since 2021. We’re seeing across the board reductions in crime in every category including non-fatal shootings, which are down 17% year to date.”

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