An IMPD officer, identified as Herman Means, is facing serious allegations of domestic violence after his arrest yesterday. He has been charged with domestic battery and strangulation, crimes allegedly committed in the presence of a child. According to WTHR, the Whiteland Police Department discovered the complainant had been both battered and restrained following a response to a reported incident of domestic violence in Whiteland.
Means, a seven-year veteran assigned to the IMPD's east district, now finds himself on the other side of the law. The Johnson County Prosecutor's Office is set to make the final decision on charges. In the aftermath of these allegations, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has suspended Means' police authority and taken his department equipment. These actions were reported in detail by WISH-TV, highlighting an ongoing concern within the force, as this arrest follows another incident involving a 25-year IMPD veteran charged just days earlier.
Administrative proceedings have also commenced. IMPD's Internal Affairs division will investigate Officer Means for potential violations of departmental regulations, an initiative that will run parallel to the legal process. "IMPD Internal Affairs will conduct an administrative investigation to assess potential departmental violations and present the findings to the Chief of Police for review," IMPD officials stated. This information echoes among the reports from different outlets, including FOX59, which also mentioned Means will be placed on administrative leave pending the internal review.
Amid these developments, IMPD has publicly addressed the circumstances, offering resources to those affected by domestic violence. Those in need are encouraged to reach out to the IMPD Victims Assistance unit.
