Minkler Honors Fallen, Launches ‘Spotlight on the Blue’

INDIANAPOLIS – While the city grapples with its own share of street violence, U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler took a moment this week to acknowledge the ever-present dangers faced by those wearing the badge. During National Police Week, Minkler recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal officers, a recognition that rings hollow for some given the rising body count nationwide.

“Today marks the beginning of National Police Week, a time for citizens alike to take pause and commemorate the service and sacrifices the men and women in blue offer each and every day,” Minkler stated. “As a career federal prosecutor, I am honored to recognize the spirit and the work police officers engage in each day.” The sentiment, while appreciated by some, feels increasingly distant from the realities on the ground, where distrust of law enforcement is growing in many communities.

The U.S. Attorney’s office launched the “Spotlight on the Blue Campaign” this week, a public relations effort designed to boost morale and public image. Citizens can follow the campaign on Twitter @SDINnews and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/usaosdin/. Whether this campaign will address the systemic issues contributing to officer deaths and assaults remains to be seen.

The origins of National Police Week stretch back to 1962, when President Kennedy signed a resolution designating May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. This evolved into a full week of remembrance, acknowledging the inherent risks of the profession. This year’s observance, from May 12-19, 2019, is particularly poignant given the grim statistics released by the FBI.

According to the FBI’s 2018 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, a staggering 106 officers were killed in the line of duty last year. Fifty-five were victims of felonious attacks, while 51 died in accidental incidents. These aren’t just numbers; they are lives cut short, families devastated, and communities left reeling. The annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., on May 13th, honored 371 names added to the memorial wall. A live webcast of the vigil was available at www.nleomf.org/vigil*.

Minkler’s office is urging citizens to engage with National Police Week events. More information can be found at www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek and www.policeweek.org. The full FBI report is available at www.fbi.gov. While acknowledging the dangers faced by law enforcement is crucial, real change requires addressing the root causes of crime and fostering genuine trust between police and the communities they serve.