Nearly a year has passed since two Indianapolis police officers fatally shot 45-year-old Aaron Bailey, an unarmed black man. His death summoned old wounds and renewed battle lines that have hardened over the years, the Indianapolis Star reports. There have been rallies and community meetings calling for justice. Promises of change from those in charge. Pledges from the police chief for transparency — and a commitment to a fair process. Although a prosecutor cleared officers Carlton Howard and Michal Dinnsen of criminal charges, a Civilian Police Merit Board administrative hearing would serve as a final battleground: Chief Bryan Roach vs. the two officers, who were backed by the police officers union.
Would the merit board fire the officers? Last week, after a three-day hearing, the answer landed with a resounding no. Howard and Dinnsen had not violated department policy or training on the morning of June 29, the board ruled 5-2. A frustrated police union is questioning whether the chief and command staff have their officers’ backs. Exasperated community advocates are wondering whether criminal justice reform is even possible. Family members of Bailey are wearing the deepest scars of all — the loss of a father and brother punctuated by the cold reality of the merit board’s ruling. Response from African-American groups across the city was swift and nearly unanimous: The merit board failed, deepening years-long divides between police officers and an increasingly distrustful portion of the city.