Indianapolis Mayor-elect Joe Hogsett has chosen former Director of Public Safety Troy Riggs to lead the city’s police department beginning in 2016.
Riggs will replace IMPD Chief Rick Hite at the helm of the police force.
Hogsett made the announcement Tuesday afternoon at a news conference, saying, “As federal prosecutor, I learned that the most effective public safety plans are those that encourage cooperation.”
Following Hogsett’s announcement, Hite released the following statement:
“After much consideration and consultation with loved ones, I have decided to step down as Chief of IMPD. I have enjoyed my tenure as Chief and thank all the dedicated employees of the department for their dedication and commitment to making this city safe.”
Hogsett also announced the reappointment of Indianapolis Fire Department Chief Ernest Malone.
The police chief announcement elicited dozens of comments and shares when the story was posted on the Recorder Facebook page. It seems the change came as a surprise to many, while others said they saw the move coming.
Commenter Jonathan Griffin said the decision was inevitable: “Bound to happen (with a) new regime. Chief Hite’s problem is he (is) linked to Ballard and the city’s inability to curb violence these past few years.”
Karla Taylor-Temple’s comment said the move was “not a surprise.”
“This is how we do things in Indianapolis… no long term strategy (just) short term visions,” she added.
Some commenters expressed concern about what the move means for the city’s future.
“Beginning of the end,” Anthony Mid Knight wrote. “The cops in Indy will be more aggressive and less secretive of their wrongdoings.”
A post from the Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition, a group that has worked closely with Hite to address violence in the city, paid tribute to Hite’s work:
“Thank You Chief Hite, for your leadership, competence, and service to the community. Because of your work and heart, Indy didn’t turn into a Ferguson or Baltimore, but actually was made safer. May God’s blessings follow you in your future endeavors.”
