INDIANAPOLIS — Randal (Randy) P. Taylor has succeeded Bryan Roach as the Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Taylor has had a robust career in public safety, with extensive experience in investigations, victims’ services, and community relations. He joined the Marion County Sheriff’s Department in 1993, beginning as a patrol officer and moving into investigations, where he worked on cases ranging from child abuse, internal investigations, as well as sex and financial crimes. He climbed through the ranks, earning the title of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. In 2007, following the consolidation of the police department, Taylor worked in investigations for IMPD’s adult sex crimes and child abuse units. In 2012, Taylor was appointed to Commander of Community Affairs.
Since 2016, Taylor has served as part of IMPD’s executive leadership team. As Assistant Chief of Investigations, he worked to improve communications between the community and IMPD, working with the area residents to solve criminal homicide cases. In 2017, under Chief Roach’s leadership, Taylor transitioned into a new role as the Assistant Chief for the department. During this time, Taylor lead the department’s efforts to reinvest in the community relations unit, rebuilding external programming and reimagining Indy Police Athletic League (PAL) initiatives. Additionally, he has worked closely with community organizations to address violent crime at the neighborhood level, and engage with families to prevent retaliation and solve cases.
Shortly after Taylor was sworn in as the new Chief, IMPD released homicide figures for 2019. As of December 31, 2019, there were 152 intentional homicides in Indianapolis, and 171 homicides (the total number includes self-defense, defense of another, and other non-criminal homicides). This represents a decline from 2018, when the city saw 158 intentional homicides and 178 total homicides. More murders were committed in June (16) and November (18) than any other months.
IMPD covers the consolidated city of Indianapolis, except for the excluded cities of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport, and Speedway. The busiest of the six districts in IMPD is East District, which is compromised of over 200 officers and patrols 52 square miles encompassing over 145,000 residents.
