Known for motor racing, historic sites and a number of other attractions, Indianapolis, Indiana, also has crime problems that make home security systems in Indianapolis a must. With a total crime index (TCI) of three — with 100 being the safest — Indianapolis is safer than 3% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple sources. Indianapolis has around 879,293 residents as of 2024, according to the U.S. Census. Here’s how the city fares crime-wise compared to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Indianapolis
The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Indianapolis is one in 95. Of the 40,938 crimes reported in Indianapolis over the most recent 12-month period, 9,232 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
By comparison, San Francisco, California, has nearly 809,000 residents and a TCI of one. If you’re there, there’s a one in 142 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of 51,034 total crimes that were tallied, 5,712 were listed as violent. Then there is Jacksonville, Florida, with more than 985,000 residents and a total crime index of seven. The chances of being victimized by violent crime there are one in 140. Of 33,099 reported over 12 months, 7,063 were in the violent category.
But in Columbus, Ohio, a city with a population of about 913,000 and a TCI of eight, just 3,528 of its 28,782 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 259 chance of victimization. In Fort Worth, a Texas city with a crime index of nine, your chances of falling victim to violent crime is one in 205. Of 30,642 total crimes, 4,778 were violent.
Charlotte, North Carolina, with more than 911,000 residents, is another city close in size to Indianapolis. It has a TCI of three and a relatively high chance of victimization by violent crime. Over a 12-month period, some 6,801 of 41,914 crimes were violent.
Property Crime in Indianapolis
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Indianapolis, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 28 — for a rate of 36.06 per 1,000 residents. There were 40,938 crimes logged over 12 months, 31,706 of which were property crimes.
Compare that data with that of San Francisco, where you have a one in 18 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 56.02 per 1,000 residents. That city reported 45,322 property crimes over 12 months — 5,696 of them burglaries. As for Jacksonville’s property crime picture, you have a one in 38 chance of victimization. Of all crimes there, 44,322 were in the property category.
In Columbus, you have a one in 36 chance of being victimized by property crime. Of 25,254 property crimes there, 3,786 were burglaries. In Fort Worth, meanwhile, there’s a one in 38 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 26.42 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 25,864 property crimes, 3,817 were burglaries. Similarly, there’s a one in 26 chance you’ll experience a property crime in Charlotte, for a rate of 38.53 per 1,000 residents.
The Indianapolis Police Department
As of 2024, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) had 1,489 officers, below the budgeted number of 1,843. Rather than precincts, the IMPD has six service districts:
- North
- East
- South
- Northwest
- West
- Downtown
Each district plays a key role within its geographic area in maintaining public safety and addressing specific community needs. Further, every district’s approach is tailored to meet the area’s unique needs.
Here are the roles for each district:
- North District: Focuses on community policing and crime prevention strategies tailored to neighborhoods in the city’s northern area.
- East District: In addition to community policing, the district has focused on mental health and addiction issues, in collaboration with healthcare providers.
- South District: Provides patrol and investigative services, emphasizing community engagement and crime reduction efforts.
- Northwest District: Focuses on analyzing crime trends and implementing actionable solutions to reduce crime effectively.
- West District: Handles law enforcement in western Indianapolis, including traffic control and specialized units when needed.
- Downtown District: Manages public safety in the city center, including high-traffic areas and events, while fostering partnerships with local businesses.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Indianapolis area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, Indianapolis does have several crime issues. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
