The 100 block of South Meridian Street, just south of Monument Circle, has seen repeat shootings this year. The block is lined with bars and hotels, and the incidents happen late at night as crowds leave. If you run a business on this corridor, here is where the risk sits and what security guards Indianapolis owners hire can do about it.
What happened downtown
| Date (2026) | Where | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 26, early morning | 100 block of S. Meridian St. | One person was shot and is in stable condition. No suspect information released. | Hoodline |
| May 24 | Same block | A triple shooting left one man dead and two hurt. Murder charges were filed. | Hoodline |
The same corridor also had a shooting one block south in April.
Where the risk is for downtown businesses
- Closing time. Crowds leave bars at once and spill onto the sidewalk.
- Hotel entrances and valet areas. Guests and staff are exposed while waiting for cars.
- Arguments that move outside. A dispute inside often turns violent on the street.
- Nearby lots and garages. Dark, unwatched parking draws trouble late at night.
What AESS officers do
| Risk spot | What AESS does |
|---|---|
| Bar and club entrances | Door staff and officers to manage the line, check IDs and clear the sidewalk at closing. |
| Hotel lobbies and valet | A visible officer at the entrance and access control after hours. |
| Disputes | Steps in to de-escalate early and calls police before it escalates. |
| Parking | Patrols of nearby lots and escorts for staff leaving late. |
Hiring Security Guards Indianapolis Businesses Can Trust: What to Look For
Not every guard company is a good fit for a downtown bar or hotel. Before you sign, check for:
- Indiana licensing. AESS officers are licensed in Indiana.
- Late-night experience. Closing time is when the risk peaks, so officers should be comfortable managing lines, crowds and the sidewalk.
- De-escalation training. The goal is to calm a dispute early, before it moves outside.
- Armed or unarmed options. Uniformed unarmed officers suit many venues. Higher-risk locations may call for armed officers or off-duty police.
- Clear reporting. You should get a written report of incidents and police calls after every shift.
- Flexible scheduling. Busy weekends and big downtown events may need more coverage than a quiet weeknight.
In practice, security guards Indianapolis bars and hotels hire are posted around the risk spots above. For a bar, that usually means officers at the door from the evening rush through closing, with someone clearing the sidewalk as the crowd leaves. For a hotel, it means a visible officer at the entrance and valet area, plus access control after hours. Staff heading to nearby lots or garages after a late shift can get an escort to their cars.
Hosting a concert, private party or other event downtown? AESS also provides event staff and crowd management. Retailers in the area should also read our guide to the Indiana organized retail theft law.
Downtown Security FAQ
How do we get started?
Call or text 630-943-2291, 24/7. We start with a free security assessment of your entrances, sidewalk, valet area and parking, then set posts and hours around your busiest nights.
Do we need armed or unarmed officers?
It depends on the site. Many bars and hotels do well with uniformed unarmed officers at the door and in the lobby. Where the risk is higher, armed officers or off-duty police add another layer. AESS provides security guards Indianapolis venues can scale up or down, and we will recommend a mix after the assessment.
Can officers cover our parking lot or garage too?
Yes. Officers can patrol nearby lots and garages and walk staff to their cars at closing, when the area tends to be emptiest.
Run a bar, hotel or business downtown? Contact AESS or call 630-943-2291 for a free security assessment, 24/7. You can also see our armed and unarmed security officers.