The video above is a recording of Chief Bailey’s appointment ceremony.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has named IMPD Assistant Chief Chris Bailey as the new chief of police for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at 1 p.m. Monday.

Bailey, a 25-year veteran, served as assistant chief for four years under former Chief Randal Taylor. A release from IMPD says during his time as assistant chief, Bailey worked closely with city leaders to reform critical department policies, “including use of force, body-worn cameras, and vehicle pursuit policies.” He also helped establish IMPD’s Use of Force Review Board, a first in department history.

“When it comes to the safety and security of Indianapolis, few have spent as many waking hours dedicated to our city as Chris,” Hogsett said in a release. “Now, after helping achieve two years of the steepest declines in criminal violence in department history, Chief Bailey kicks off a new era at IMPD – one that builds off this recent momentum while preparing for the future of public safety in our community.”

Before his appointment, Bailey acted as the interim police chief following former Chief Randal Taylor stepping down from the position at the end of last year. Taylor, who served as police chief for four years, left the role to perform different work in the department for his remaining year and a half with the force.

As part of his new role, Hogsett said in the release that Bailey will be tasked to “modernize the department,” as well as continue Indy’s violence reduction efforts and improve officer recruitment and retention rates.

Bailey also appointed two assistant chiefs, Michael Wolley and Catherine Cummings, during the ceremony. With their appointments, Wolley and Cummings will be in charge of addressing community violence and building programs that tackle public safety challenges in the city’s future.

Bailey expressed his gratitude to those who have encouraged him and shaped who he is in both his career and life as a west side Indy native.

“This is my home, and there is no place I’d rather be,” Bailey said.

Statement

“Today (2/12/2024) we learned of Mayor Hogsett’s appointment of Assistant Chief Chris Bailey to serve as IMPD’s Chief of Police.

“We look forward to working with Chief Bailey to keep the IMPD moving forward.

“Significant momentum can be reached with this continuity of leadership and continued progress.

“The professional police officers who faithfully serve the residents, business owners and visitors of Indianapolis remain steadfast in their mission of preserving the law and restoring order all while interrupting crime and violence.

“Full steam ahead.”

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 86, Indianapolis