INDIANAPOLIS — We got an update Tuesday on the search for a new leader for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
It's been weeks since Chief Randal Taylor announced he was transitioning to a new role. Mayor Joe Hogsett has not yet announced who will take his place.
"We've been assessing candidates and their interests comprehensively," Hogsett said Tuesday. "It's a time-consuming process because it's a very important job. We hope to make the decision as quickly as possible."
Taylor, who stepped down last week after four years as IMPD chief, has been in law enforcement for a total of 36 years and is not ready to stop serving.
"I'm not leaving the department. I'm gonna be around for at least another year-and-a-half, God willing, just working in a different capacity," Taylor said. "Hopefully something to do with helping out victims' families."
Taylor first came to Indianapolis in 1993 to serve in the Marion County Sheriff's Department. He joined IMPD in 2007, when the Indianapolis Police Department and sheriff's department merged. In 2016, he was named the assistant chief of investigations. The next year, he became the department's sole assistant chief and focused on community relations. Taylor was named chief on Dec. 31, 2019.
Last month, Taylor told 13News he had some advice for the next police chief.
"Stay strong," Taylor said. "Obviously, I'm biased. Stay connected to your Lord. Continue to move with the community. Listen to what they have to say."
Taylor believes the next chief will face challenges, including figuring out a way to reduce shootings involving youth in Indianapolis.