Feds, Indy Reach Deal To End Diversity Oversight

INDIANAPOLIS -- Public safety officials have struck a deal to end federal oversight of racial and gender diversity within city's police and fire departments.

If approved by a federal judge, Friday's agreement with the U.S. Justice Department still would require the city to report hiring and promotions statistics to the federal government for two years.

Republican Mayor Greg Ballard's administration plans to meet soon with the police and fire unions to discuss changes in promotions and creating regular performance reviews.

Until then, the city will rely on existing promotions lists.

"People have the right to expect that in the police department and fire department, people will be evaluated in their job, that those evaluations will matter, and that the best people will be promoted to positions of supervision," Public Safety Director Scott Newman said.