The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) held a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 23 in support of the Minority Police Officers Association (MPOA). Volunteers for the MPOA designed a commemorative badge that could voluntarily be purchased and worn during Black History Month. Due to delays in ordering, the officers are concerned the badge will not be available in time for them to wear this February.
The badge, featuring a red, black and green striped background, was designed in December at which time officers paid and placed their orders. In January, Dr. Lionel Rush, president of the IMA, said officers were told they could not wear the badges and that they had not been ordered until Jan. 15, making it unlikely the badges would arrive in time for Black History Month.
“It ain’t about the badge. It’s about respect,” said Rush, reiterating MPOA’s goal of celebrating the achievements of Black officers who they say have made significant contributions toward making IMPD what it is today.
“If you you’re not going to respect Black police officers, you’re not going to respect Black people,” Rush continued.
“In 2024 it’s not acceptable for blatant displays of disrespect to be tolerated,” said Mark Russell, director of advocacy at the Indianapolis Urban League.
Jeffrey Johnson, pastor of Eastern Star Church, said “this should be a time of celebration.” As a person who was born and raised in Indianapolis, Johnson said he was enlightened to learn about the accomplishments of the City’s Black officers. Johnson said simply telling the truth about the impact Black officers have had on Indianapolis could begin to make a difference in public perception and relations.
After years of systemic racism within the department, the setback with the Black History Month badge felt like the “last straw” for minority officers, according to Johnson.
Robert Turner, chief counsel for IMA, stated that all cultures should be celebrated. He recalled various cultural celebrations he took part in as a police officer including the Greek festival and the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Turner said “mutually expressed respect and support” is what makes Indianapolis a great city.
“I think it’s important for me to stress that we do support every aspect of what this city is, every cultural, racial, religious aspect of what this city is,” Turner said. “We feel that support should also extend to the Black community.”
In a statement released by the Public Affairs Office, IMPD said the badge was approved, ordering delays were “unexpected” and “at no point were IMPD officers told they could not wear the badge.”
“The badge is meant to be a reminder of the sacrifices and achievements of the city’s first African American officers, acting as a physical connection between IMPD’s history, present, and future,” according to IMPD.
“We as a community want our Black officers to be recognized, here and throughout the country,” said Chrystal Radcliffe, president of the Greater Indianapolis Branch of the NAACP.
Both MPOA and IMA believe acknowledging and celebrating Black officers, and officers of all cultures, will also help the department with recruiting more diverse officers.
