Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has spent nearly two decades serving in the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, building a career centered on public safety, accountability and fairness. During that time, he has prosecuted violent offenses while supporting diversion initiatives, second-chance opportunities and efforts to address racial disparities within the justice system.
I sat down with Mears to discuss public safety, youth violence and how accountability and restoration can work together.
These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
How do you determine who belongs in the justice system?
Ryan Mears: It means deciding whether prosecution or intervention is more likely to prevent another offense.
By keeping people out of the justice system and making sure we have the right people in the system.
What makes diversion successful?
Mears: It’s the who. Community organizations can provide support. Veterans, returning citizens and people facing homelessness or mental-health challenges may need housing, employment assistance and frequent check-ins.
What must Indianapolis do differently to address youth gun violence?
Mears: Kids are influenced by their peer group. Sports help because sports builds camaraderie, but relationships must go deeper.
Youth violence prevention goes through mentorship. Young people need adults who explain government and the justice system.
What concerns you about social media’s influence?
Mears: We have failed at social media. Young people, especially girls, are trying to live up to something that’s not achievable. Adults must become more intentional, and boundaries must be set.
How has your office addressed racial disparities?
Mears: We brought in an independent third party to examine data involving marijuana possession and resisting-law-enforcement cases. We changed how some cases were filed and reviewed body-camera footage more closely.
We had to ask, ‘Why do we have the disparity?’ Then we had to evaluate it, acknowledge it and act.
What does a second chance mean?
Mears: People just need a chance. They are trying to clear fines, restore their licenses, find employment and rebuild. They want a fair opportunity.
Mears’ answers reflected a theme: Public safety requires accountability, but progress requires prevention, honest evaluation and opportunities for people to rebuild.
Jessica Braidden, Ph.D., PhilD, is an author, journalist, entrepreneur and the founder and executive director of Deborah’s Place. She writes about community leadership, entrepreneurship and people creating lasting change. She may be reached at info@deborahsplace.net.
