52 INDIANAPOLIS REGIONAL CENTER PLAN 2020 PLANNING DOWNTOWN�fS FUTURE TODAY MOVING AROUND DOWNTOWN access the information technology infrastructure.   This is easily achieved because the City of Indianapolis allows fiber optic development to placed in public rights-of-way.  In addition, there are wholesale providers that are able to extend fiber optic lines to businesses.  There is a fiber optic network center within the Regional Center boundaries on the east bank of the White River located just west of Kentucky Avenue. GOAL 17 Ensure below- and above-grade infrastructure can accommodate community needs and demands.  Encourage infrastructure projects to be coordinated, cost efficient, aesthetically thought through and have a positive impact on the overall environmental quality. OBJECTIVES Utilities  Ensure Downtown utilities can accommodate community needs and demands.  Encourage utility projects to be coordinated and cost efficient Street and Sidewalk Infrastructure Ensure infrastructure allows for vehicle and pedestrian traffic to physically move efficiently around the Regional Center Technology Introduce and continue the installation of fiber optics, wireless and other new technologies necessary for businesses to grow and stay competitive.  Develop infrastructure and resources necessary to successfully develop the life science community. Water Quality  Improve water quality by reducing pollution to protect the public health and turn streams and rivers into community assets. See page 90 for projects and programs related to the topic of infrastructure. 18.  PUBLIC SAFETY AND FIRE PROTECTION The Department of Public Safety oversees police, fire and other related services.  Currently, approximately 1,150 sworn and 250 civilian personnel are employed by the Indianapolis Police Department providing service via car, motorcycle, horse or bicycle.  There are 750 sworn firefighters and about 50 civilians respond to approximately 94,000 emergency dispatches each year.  The Emergency Management Division has played an increased role to minimize the impact of catastrophic events in the community.  The general trend of crime in the Regional Center has been improving.  Based on IPD crime data, in 2002, 2,656 serious crimes occurred within the Regional Center compared to 4,491 in 1992. GOAL 18 Create and maintain a physically safe Regional Center environment while reinforcing a positive image of safety and security for visitors, residents and workers. OBJECTIVE Safety  Ensure overall safety for workers, residents and visitors relating to fire, crime, terrorism and the presence of hazardous material by supporting community policing, bicycle patrols and other initiatives which improve the perceptions about safety in the Regional Center. See page 91 for projects and programs related to the topic of public safety and fire protection MAP M-6 LEGEND Indianapolis Fire Department Facilities Indianapolis Police Department Facilities Fire Station #13 Police on bicycles and motorcycles Emergency call boxes, pedestrian scale lighting and clear grade-level visibility help promote safety along the White River