Mayor Joe Hogsett appointed Christopher Bailey as acting chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, effective 5 p.m. Jan. 10. Chief Bailey is tasked with collaborating with local criminal justice experts to recommend operational changes aligning with the city’s holistic public safety approach. IMPD is focused on enhancing officer recruitment and retention, combined with an external review of officer-involved shootings. This move reflects Indianapolis’ commitment to modernizing policing and mental health-focused initiatives.
Bailey will serve as acting chief while Hogsett continues the search for a permanent candidate. Bailey has currently withdrawn himself as a candidate for the permanent position of chief of police; he will maintain leadership consistency as IMPD assesses its operations.
“After two straight years of double-digit reductions in criminal homicides, it is critical that IMPD’s next Chief of Police is the right leader to carry forward the progress we have made with our holistic, community-based approach to improving public safety. 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. “I am grateful to our IMPD officers and command staff who have continued to demonstrate professionalism and commitment to making our neighborhoods safer during this period of transition.”
