Police Chief Urges Parents to Step Up Against Youth Gun Violence

June 5, 2026 - 12:35

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Tanya Terry is sending a direct message to parents across the city: take a more active role in your children's lives to help curb the rising tide of youth gun violence. In a recent public address, Terry emphasized that parenting requires constant effort and vigilance, not a hands-off approach.

"Parenting is not passive," Terry stated. She argued that many incidents involving young people with firearms could be prevented if adults paid closer attention to their children's activities, social circles, and online behavior. The chief pointed to cases where teens obtained guns from unsecured locations in their own homes or from older acquaintances whose influence went unchecked.

Terry's comments come as Indianapolis continues to struggle with a disproportionate number of shootings involving minors. She urged parents to have honest conversations about the consequences of gun violence and to report suspicious behavior without hesitation. The chief also stressed the importance of monitoring social media, where conflicts often escalate into real-world violence.

While acknowledging that many parents face economic and social pressures, Terry made it clear that accountability starts at home. She called for community-wide cooperation, but placed the heaviest burden on those raising the next generation. "We can do more," she said. "We have to do more."