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Invest in Blue: Improving Officer Safety Through Smarter Equipment

The Central Indiana Police Foundation is proud to support the Indiana University Police Department (Indianapolis Division) through a recent Invest in Blue grant focused on enhancing officer safety with updated equipment.

This grant provides new portable radio holders for officers serving the Indianapolis campus area—an important upgrade prompted by real-world safety concerns identified during a recent review.

Addressing a Critical Safety Risk

During the review, two officers involved in a foot pursuit experienced a dangerous equipment failure when their radios dislodged from outdated holders and fell to the ground. In both cases, the officers were forced to briefly stop their pursuit to retrieve their radios.

While radios are essential tools for communication and coordination, outdated holders were no longer providing the secure fit officers needed. This grant allows the department to replace those holders with new, secure models designed to keep radios firmly in place during pursuits and other active operations.

Supporting Officers Who Serve Our Campuses

The Indiana University Police Department’s Indianapolis Division includes 50 officers who are responsible for keeping students, staff, faculty, and visitors safe. With the support of Invest in Blue donors, each officer will now have equipment better suited to the demands of their role—helping them stay focused, connected, and safe in critical moments.

“Equipping our officers with the right tools is vital to our commitment to keep the IU community and our officers safe,” said Anthony Williams, IUPD Deputy Superintendent and Campus Chief Law Enforcement Officer. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to upgrade our portable radio holders and increase the safety of everyone involved in a critical incident.”

Powered by the Invest in Blue Fund

The Invest in Blue Fund is dedicated to equipping officers with the tools and resources they need to protect themselves and the communities they serve. From protective gear and trauma kits to communication and investigative equipment, this fund fills critical gaps that departmental budgets often cannot cover.

By funding upgrades like these radio holders, Invest in Blue ensures that officers are better prepared for real-world challenges—reducing risk, improving response, and strengthening public safety across Central Indiana.