Christopher Bailey, a 25-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, will be the city's next police chief.Indianapolis Metropolitan PD
The next chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police will be a veteran officer who has served the city for decades. .
Christopher Bailey, who has taken the helm since former Chief Randal Taylor announced his departure in December, will be the police chief. Bailey removed himself as a permanent candidate early in the process but later asked to be reconsidered, the Indianapolis Star reports.
“Nobody knows the challenges of the job better than the person taking on the role today,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. "He has the experience, passion and support of many neighbors to take on this role."
Bailey said he initially asked not to be considered because he wanted to shield his young kids from him having such a high-profile role, but after talking to family, specifically his 15-year-old daughter, and receiving their support he asked to be reconsidered.
Bailey is a 25-veteran of the IMPD who briefly served as the chief of the Asheville (North Carolina) Police Department.
The IMPD seen the number of sworn officers shrink over the past several years, recording a shortage as low as 300 officers last August. Bailey said recruitment and retention is top of mind as he takes over the position.
