Ballard Taps UIndy Official To Lead Public Safety

INDIANAPOLIS - A top University of Indianapolis official will replace Troy Riggs as the city’s director of public safety.

Mayor Greg Ballard announced Wednesday that David Wantz, the vice president for government and university relations at the southside college, will serve in an interim role through the end of Ballard’s term as mayor.

Wantz has law enforcement experience. He is a former police officer and taught at the Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield. He also serves on the IMPD Merit Board.

"He's like Troy, he's level-headed, very competant," Ballard said in an interview. "We expect him to maintain what's been going on, we like the data-driven approach" that Riggs brought.

"I look forward to continuing the good work that is already underway in Indianapolis with data-driven law enforcement, engagement in the city’s focus areas and ensuring a seamless transition to the next administration in 2016,” said Wantz in a statement.

Riggs announced last month that he was leaving the Department of Public Safety to join the faculty at IUPUI, where he will oversee public safety projects and teach in the public policy institute. Wantz plans to return to UIndy.