IMPD acting chief in place, search for permanent leader still underway

Indianapolis has a new interim chief of police. Mayor Joe Hogset named Assistant Chief Christopher Bailey as the acting chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, IMPD.

The decision comes after Chief Randall Taylor announced he would not continue in the job. Taylor transitions to a new role – Commander of the Victims Services Section.

Bailey’s role as acting chief aims to ensure a smooth transition and to conduct an operational analysis – including a review of officer-involved shootings and officer recruitment recommendations. There were 18 officer involved shootings in 2023. 

Bailey removed his name as a permanent candidate, and an ongoing search for a new chief continues.

In a statement Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said IMPD leadership is a top priority.

“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,” said Hogsett.

Bailey has been with IMPD for 25 years and served as Assistant Chief since 2019.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.