Interim DPS Director named to replace Troy Riggs
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – David Wantz has been named the Interim Director of the Department of Public Safety in Indianapolis.
Wantz, 61, is a Baltimore, Maryland native who has lived in Indianapolis for 30 years. He began his career as a police officer then moved to Indiana, where he taught at the Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.
“From the moment I arrived here, David has been supportive of the work done by the Department of Public Safety. He understands our data initiative and the efforts being made in our six focus areas. I think he will do a great job as interim director and I have offered to help him in his transition,” said outgoing Public Safety Director Troy Riggs.
Director Troy Riggs announced his departure as the DPS chief in late June.
Officials say Wantz currently is employed with the University of Indianapolis. He is expected to return back to the university in five months after a new mayor is elected.
Wantz will join a public safety department that is seeing some serious momentum. Recently Indianapolis has seen its homicide numbers year to date decline by at least 20 percent, while some cities comparable to Indianapolis have seen increases. According to MSNBC, New Orleans, St. Louis and Baltimore are seeing a 33 percent jump in homicides.
“I want (Wantz) to maintain what Troy has been doing, and how Troy has allowed the city to look at things a little bit differently,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
Riggs heads to IUPUI and will help lead and facilitate projects for public safety and criminal justice issues. Riggs will teach as a clinical assistant professor with the School of Public and Environment Affairs.
“My job is to be able to continue to focus on those directives that Riggs have started,” said Wantz.
Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder was optimistic about Wantz’s hiring.
“We’ve always known him to approach things in a fair manner,” said Snyder.
Wantz will start the first week in August, and Riggs’ last day on the job is next Friday.