INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has named IMPD Assistant Chief of Police Christopher Bailey as the department's acting chief.
The appointment became effective Wednesday, Jan. 10.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity and thankful for the trust that the mayor has in me,” Bailey said.
Bailey will serve as acting chief while Hogsett continues his internal search to select a permanent chief following Randal Taylor's mid-December announcement that he would step down from the top spot.
"At a time when Indianapolis has seen progress on improving public safety by investing in a holistic approach of policing, community- and mental health-focused initiatives, Chief Bailey has been charged with immediately beginning to work with local criminal justice experts to recommend operational changes necessary to modernize the department in line with these efforts," a statement from Hogsett's office read.
Those recommendations are expected to involve strategies to improve officer recruitment and retention, as well as "a comprehensive outside review of officer-involved shootings."
Bailey also looks to create a strategic plan for the agency, something he said they haven’t had in a while.
“A strategic plan that is going to guide this agency for the next three or four years. That’s going to be built by the community, by our employees, by appointed staff and by elected officials. So everybody is on the same page about what they want from our agency, where we are going and there is no doubt what that direction is,” Bailey said.
He believes the biggest challenges are building trust with the community and getting the force fully staffed. Even though his role is temporary, he said these priorities can’t wait.
“I am not a placeholder so everybody can just sit still and not move. We are going to continue to move. In fact, we need to move at a faster pace while we have this opportunity to make the changes necessary to make this place better,” Bailey said.
When it comes to finding someone for the top seat, Hogsett was not available to comment on camera about the process.
However, he told 13News on Tuesday that he is looking internally and that the process will be lengthy.
“It’s a time-consuming process because it’s a very important job but we hope to make the decision as quickly as possible,” he said.
Bailey removed himself as a candidate for the permanent appointment. He said he is making his family a priority right now.
As for what he wants to see in a new chief he said, “I want to see somebody that loves this city. That loves this department. That loves our community. That wants to work together with everyone in our community. All the stakeholders. Not just the loudest voices but those people who don’t have voices in our community. Really take this department to the next level.”
Whoever is appointed, clergy leaders like Rev. David W. Greene Sr. said it’s important they work with the community.
“I think the community definitely needs to have a voice in it to solve the problem or make significant advances. You are going to need community at the table,” Greene said.
Greene said he would also like to see an external search and someone in the position by summer.
Taylor is transitioning Wednesday into a new role as commander of the Victim Services Section.
"I am focused on naming a permanent Chief of Police as expeditiously as possible while remaining thoughtful about the best leader to ensure our officers are supported through the challenges ahead for the department in a time when the profession of policing is changing rapidly,” Hogsett said in the statement.
Bailey has been with the department for 25 years.
Wednesday afternoon, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder released the following statement on Bailey's appointment:
"The IMPD is at a critical stage and needs continuity of leadership while maintaining the momentum that is beginning to take root in our City.
Acting Chief Bailey has taken assertive steps to put the logistics in place for the IMPD to fully leverage investments in technology and his leadership has been paramount on the formation and implementation of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center for Indianapolis and our surrounding partners in the Metro region.
We cannot afford to take any steps back and this move allows our police officers and detectives to continue driving down crime and violence.
Most importantly, the community we serve benefits from forward momentum and uninterrupted professional police service."