Our March HCLA session in Noblesville provided a comprehensive look at the proactive culture that defines public safety in Hamilton County. Hosted at the Juvenile Services Center, the day demonstrated that while infrastructure and budgets are essential, the success of our community is ultimately rooted in the quality of its people and the relationships they build.
Our first speaker was Noblesville’s own Mayor Chris Jensen, HCLA Class of 2015. (Fun fact: did you know Mayor Jensen is the only current mayor to have graduated from HCLA?) After sharing a bit about his background, Mayor Jensen emphasized that public safety is his top priority. Of the city’s $119 million budget, approximately 55% is dedicated to public safety. Noblesville—along with many other Hamilton County cities—has regularly been ranked among the safest communities in the United States, which remains one of the biggest draws for individuals and families considering a move to Hamilton County.
Mayor Jensen also shared several notable data points. In 2025, the Noblesville Police Department responded to 57,000 incidents and received zero formal complaints. Immediate detentions have decreased by 22%, which the mayor attributes to proactive policing strategies. Traffic crashes have been reduced by 11%, due in part to infrastructure improvements such as additional roundabouts. Noblesville was also one of the first communities to place a school resource officer in every school in the Noblesville School system, with the city covering 73% of the cost. Mayor Jensen also introduced Noble Act, a major mental health initiative for the City of Noblesville.
This served as the perfect segue to our next speaker, Sergeant Ben Lugar, who coordinates Noble Act for the city. Noble Act brings together police officers, paramedics, and a social worker who receive specialized training to assist individuals experiencing mental health crises. This unique partnership between Noblesville Police and Fire has already resulted in a reduction in violent mental health–related calls.
While Sergeant Lugar’s presentation was both informative and engaging, the star of the show was Luna, a trained therapy dog. Noble Act currently has three therapy dogs, made possible through the generosity of a donor. These dogs help de-escalate tense situations and calm individuals who may be in a heightened state of distress.
Sergeant Jason Shonkwiler, the school resource officer at Noblesville High School and HCLA Class of 2012, explained that his role requires him to serve as a teacher, law enforcement officer, and mentor—but that mentoring is the most important aspect of the job. As he put it, he has four years to help a student address a problem, rather than the fifteen minutes a patrol officer might have during a roadside encounter. He also emphasized the importance of parental awareness, encouraging parents to monitor their children’s mobile devices for hidden communications and to talk openly about the risks associated with vaping and high-THC products that are readily available across state lines.
After lunch, our cohort toured the Juvenile Detention Center and portions of the Hamilton County Jail. Captain Ryan McClain highlighted the educational opportunities and programming available to juveniles in custody. Amy Summerfield, a member of our 2026 HCLA class and an attorney for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, provided insight into what it is like to work inside the jail and how staff work diligently to maintain the safety of both inmates and fellow employees.
We also heard from Cicero Fire Chief Chris Frazier and Hamilton County Emergency Management Executive Director Chad Knecht, HCLA Class of 2021, about how public safety agencies across Hamilton County collaborate seamlessly. Mutual aid between jurisdictions is automatic, meaning that departments do not need to request assistance from neighboring communities because it is dispatched automatically. This coordination is possible in part because Hamilton County operates a single 911 center for dispatch services. Fire departments across the county also share a common radio system and standardized operating procedures, enabling a coordinated and efficient response to emergencies.
Mr. Knecht also discussed the countywide multi-hazard mitigation plan, which was developed to address a wide range of potential threats. He noted that in the event of a catastrophic disaster, it can take at least three days for FEMA to arrive. During that time, the county must be prepared to meet the immediate needs of the community.
I left the day feeling reassured that Hamilton County remains on the leading edge of community safety. Throughout the session, speakers consistently emphasized their commitment to treating all individuals with respect, regardless of the circumstances that may have led to an interaction with law enforcement. In a perfect world, we would not need police or jails. Until that day comes, I am grateful to live in a community that believes we can keep Hamilton County safe while still treating every person with dignity.