Indianapolis Names New Chief Of Police

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett named a new police chief on the eve of the New Year. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Randal Taylor will step into the lead position.

Taylor started with the Marion County Sheriff’s department in 1993 and worked his way through the ranks. He has an extensive background in investigations with a focus on community affairs.

Under former Chief Bryan Roach’s leadership he became department assistant chief and built on efforts to improve neighborhood relationships. Taylor says he’s excited to continue this work.

"The fact that the community here seems to be ripe to make some positive changes, has helped me to be very optimistic about this role and getting some things accomplished," says Taylor. 

He says a focus on violence reduction is critical. Taylor is encouraged by a fewer number of murder investigations in 2019.

"No murder number is going to be good," says Taylor, "but I strongly believe that contacting the right people, getting the right partnerships, we should be able to drive numbers down."

Taylor says reaching those most prone to violence is a top priority for IMPD. Chris Bailey will take over the role of deputy chief.