Indianapolis names new police chief for IMPD

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the new chief of police for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Monday.

Chris Bailey was named interim chief of IMPD last month, and at the time said he would not seek the job permanently. He said he didn’t want to burden his busy family with the high profile position.

But Bailey said he changed his mind during a road trip with the help of his teenage daughter.

"I explained my reasons for declining the opportunity and she, in her best Gen Z way, told me I was wrong," Bailey said.

Bailey is a 25-year veteran of IMPD and an Indianapolis native. He served as assistant chief for the past four years.

He said support from his family and the city was critical in his decision to take the top cop job.

"I love this city, this is my home, and there is no place I would rather be," Bailey said.

Hogsett tasked Bailey with studying three priorities in his interim role: how to improve police recruiting and retention, the reduction of police-involved shootings, and changes to modernize the department.

Bailey announced two new assistant chiefs, Catherine Cummings and Michael Wolley, as part of the modernization effort. Other organizational changes are planned in the coming weeks.

Mayor Hogsett said Bailey has been crucial part of driving down crime.

"Now, after helping achieve two years of the steepest declines in criminal violence in department history, Chief Bailey kicks off a new era at IMPD," Hogsett said. "One that builds off this recent momentum while preparing for the future of public safety in our community."

Bailey replaces Randall Taylor, who announced last year he would not continue as chief. Taylor will transition to a new role – commander of the victims services section.