Indianapolis to bolster prosecution of gun crimes with additional attorneys

Indianapolis, Indiana – The City of Indianapolis has commenced its search for legal professionals to bolster its strategy to stem the tide of gun violence.

On Monday, the city-county council approved the financial means to hire three attorneys specializing in criminal law. These positions were created as a result of a collaboration between the city and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with the appointees serving as Special Assistant United States Attorneys. Their primary duty will be to investigate and prosecute firearms-related crimes in Marion County.

U.S. Attorney Zachary Myers for the Southern District of Indiana explained their responsibilities, stating, “Working on investigations and prosecutions of spree robberies or firearms trafficking or serious violent individuals who are illegally armed or illegally distributing firearms.

At present, the violent crimes unit under Myers’ supervision comprises of seven attorneys and a manager, assigned to Indianapolis and an additional 49 counties. Myers indicated that the introduction of three more prosecutors would substantially bolster their capacity to handle the caseload.

Myers elucidated, “One of the things we’ll be able to do with our law enforcement partners is build more proactive investigations, look into historical cases as well, and build cases that don’t yet exist.

While violent crime statistics in the area are starting to decline, Myers acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead. “We’re not going to arrest or prosecute our way out of this problem whatsoever. There’s a lot of factors that contribute to gun violence, but law enforcement is a big part of the response. I think that we can use the resources that we have and the additional resources we’re getting to find who are the people who need to be held accountable for the violent crimes,” Myers said.

Potential applicants can now submit their applications for these positions via the city’s website.