Harris, IBLC comments on indictments of two officers involved in death of Herman Whitfield III

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) announced today that two IMPD officers have been indicted by a grand jury for their involvement in the death of Herman Whitfield III. Whitfield, 39, was killed by police in his parents' Indianapolis home after they called for support while Whitfield was in the middle of a mental health crisis in April of last year.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) released the following statement in regards to the indictment:

“The indictment of two of the six officers involved in Mr. Whitfield's death signals a changing tide in policing and community. Too often in the past, police officers who took it upon themselves to act as judge, jury and executioner have never faced justice. If we want to maintain the integrity of policing and the integrity of the vast majority of officers who joined the force to protect and serve their communities, we must ensure that those who break that pledge face the consequences. The IBLC will be closely monitoring these developments, and my thoughts are with Mr. Whitfield's family at this time.”

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), who represents Whitfield's parents, issued the following statement:

“This situation should never have occurred, and I am truly saddened by the loss of Herman Whitfield III and the fact that his killing occurred in front of his parents. This is an instance in which de-escalation training should have been in place. While nothing can undo the pain Whitfield's family has experienced from his death, I'm glad the family is getting some sense of justice through these indictments.”