Indianapolis is taking steps to improve emergency‑call response times after an internal staffing study revealed the city missed national benchmarks. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency (IMESA) reported that about 20% of 911 calls last year did not meet the standard of answering 90% of calls within 15 seconds and 95% within 20 seconds.
Funding approved for new call takers
During the 2026 budget hearings, emergency‑services chief Tom Sellas urged the City‑County Council to fund 15 new staff positions as a first step, with a longer‑term goal of hiring at least 30 new call takers by 2027. The council approved a budget that includes money for those positions, along with annual raises for existing workers – an average 13.5% increase in 2026 and a 4% raise in 2027.
Between July and September 2026, the Indianapolis 911 center handled more than 661,000 calls, averaging a 16‑second response time. While that figure meets the 20‑second target, it still leaves room for improvement, especially for medical emergencies where every minute can be the difference between life and death.
Council member calls for broader action
Democratic Councilor Jesse Brown, representing parts of the east side, argued that the 15‑position increase is insufficient. He cited constituents who experienced delayed responses and suggested redirecting $26 million from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department budget to housing assistance and other public‑safety programs. Brown’s amendment also proposed additional funding for emergency services to retain more call takers.
Brown criticized the mayor’s budget priorities, saying police funding is “overfunded” while dispatch agents lack comparable political support. He warned that the city’s current spending choices leave essential services under‑resourced.
Mayor’s office defends budget decisions
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office responded that Brown’s amendment was “not based in reality.” The administration highlighted a labor agreement with the police union guaranteeing funding for thousands of officer positions through 2028, and noted that the city’s budget already covers the 30 new 911 positions and the planned raises.
“If emergency services exceeds its anticipated hiring for 2027 and more funding is required, this administration is fully prepared and ready to provide those funds,” a spokesperson said. “We have a strong record of ensuring our public‑safety professionals have the tools they need to serve our community.”
What this means for Indianapolis residents
Improving 911 response times directly supports families and individuals who rely on rapid emergency assistance. Faster call handling can reduce wait times for police, fire, EMS, and even mental‑health response teams, aligning with community‑first values that prioritize safety and well‑being.
While the council’s approval marks progress, the debate over the adequacy of funding underscores ongoing concerns about how city resources are allocated. Residents can expect to see the new call takers hired over the next year, and the city will continue monitoring response metrics to ensure they meet national standards.
For more information on the budget and upcoming public‑safety initiatives, citizens are encouraged to attend future City‑County Council meetings or contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
