How is Indianapolis supposed to enforce a new ban on long-term camping on public land?
That’s what Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears wants to know.
“Not only is it bad policy,” Mears told Mirror Indy. “It’s going to be very difficult to implement.”
Under the ban, people would first get a warning and then have 48 hours to move at least 300 feet away.
Law enforcement would be required to give information about locations within 5 miles where someone can get services and shelter. There were more than 300 people outside during an annual count of homeless people in Indy in 2025.
Mirror Indy also asked IMPD if the department would be able to effectively enforce the camping ban.
In an emailed statement, IMPD didn’t directly address enforcement but said its Homeless Outreach Unit will “continue its longstanding work providing services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
“We understand that an arrest is not always the appropriate response to the complex issues surrounding homelessness,” the statement said, in part, “but IMPD will take law enforcement action when crimes are committed.”
The ban was approved with Republican support during the 2026 legislative session. That was despite objections from some who argued a ban won’t do anything to solve homelessness.
Republican Gov. Mike Braun hadn’t signed the bill into law as of March 4. The last day Braun can veto the bill is March 9. If he does nothing by then, the bill would still become law.
The law would take effect on July 1.
‘Where are they gonna live?’
It isn’t clear how many of those arrested for violating the ban would actually end up in jail.
After a warning, a person could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. That is the lowest-level criminal offense in Indiana and carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
For some, the maximum jail time could really be 30 days because of a state law giving people earned credit time.
Mears has doubts about whether police would be able to build a strong enough case against someone who violates the law, considering the requirements for law enforcement before they make an arrest.
“We are asking law enforcement to do things that they typically do not have responsibility for,” he said.
Other law enforcement agencies also have concerns.
During a Senate committee hearing in January, the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association opposed the bill because of concerns about jail overcrowding.
“I don’t want to see the jail be the final resting place for these people,” the association’s executive director, Stephen Luce, said.
If someone were to end up in jail, Mears said nothing would have been done to address the underlying causes of homelessness.
“Where are they gonna go?” he asked. “Where are they gonna live?”
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Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers housing and labor. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick and Bluesky @tyfenwick.bsky.social.
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