December 21, 2016
This morning, I was contacted by Chief of Police Troy Riggs and informed of his decision to announce his departure today. I was subsequently able to attend the news conference and appreciated the opportunity to hear his words in their entirety. His salient point was his gratitude for the sworn and civilian members of the IMPD and his pride to lead this police department. Mayor Hogsett appropriately captured the prevailing sentiment of this transition as one met with mixed emotions.
Chief Riggs made clear his reasoning for his decision was largely impacted by other professional opportunities. We collectively wish he and his family well as they begin another chapter and appreciate the path the Chief has placed our department upon in accordance with the objectives of the Mayor.
As a result, it is important this police agency and our City ensure continuity during this transition. We currently have the highest level of motivation and morale amongst the officers of the IMPD, perhaps since the merger, and it would be a misstep to impede the momentum within the department at this time.
Therefore, we strongly encourage the Administration to leverage the talent from within the IMPD. A legacy of Chief Riggs should be the strong management team he has constructed with the support and input of the community. The goal of the next Chief of Police should be to raise the agency to the next level in 2017 and avoid the mistakes of the past of attempting to reinvent the department while sliding backwards and losing ground. The focus of the next Chief should be to set the tone and the pace for the department to address the law enforcement objectives of the elected Mayor, ensure the appropriate resources are secured and then get out of the way of our police professionals so they can fulfill the mission.
As we collectively move forward, it is important to remember the IMPD is bigger than any one person and it is the beat cop and the detective who are the backbone to the success of any police agency.
Whoever the next Chief is, they will inherit one of the finest law enforcement teams and the FOP stands ready to ensure their success so that our City may continue to move forward better and stronger. In the interim, our police officers will stay focused on the daily security and peace for our Indianapolis residents and visitors. We remain resolved.
Fraternally,
Rick Snyder, President
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