INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two local leaders are coming together to launch a new initiative to address crime and violence in central Indiana. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam on Friday announced a new initiative to address crime through regional collaboration. The Regi onal Mayors’ Public Safety Partnership Summit will bring together local leaders and law enforcement officials multiple times a year. The goal of the summit is to foster cooperation between cities in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, and Shelby counties. Each participating city will be represented by its mayor and police chief. In communities without a mayor, the police chief and the highest-ranking civilian official will be invited to attend. “Crime takes a toll on every community,” Hogsett and Finkam said in a joint statement. “Individuals who commit crimes often move among jurisdictions, creating challenges that no single community can solve alone. As mayors, we are committed to working together to address this critical issue on behalf of those we serve.” The mayors say the summit will build on efforts already underway to improve public safety across the region, while also exploring new solutions that benefit residents, workers and visitors. Additional details about the summit’s schedule and agenda will be released in the near future. Full statement by Mayors Hogsett and Finkam: “Crime takes a toll on every community. Individuals who commit crimes often move among jurisdictions, creating challenges that no single community can solve alone. As mayors, we are committed to working together to address this critical issue on behalf of those we serve. In support of that commitment, we will co-host a Regional Mayors’ Public Safety Partnership Summit. The Summit will convene multiple times during the year. Mayors from cities in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan and Shelby counties will be asked to bring their police chief to join in the discussions. For communities without a mayor, the police chief and the most senior civilian leader will be invited. As leaders of some of our nation’s most vibrant and dynamic communities, we look forward to expanding efforts that are already improving safety in our region and exploring solutions that benefit all who live, work, play and visit here.” ...read more read less