(INDIANAPOLIS) - ndianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett on Wednesday announced the appointment of Tanya Terry as the next chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, marking the first time a woman has been selected to lead the agency.
Terry, a 27-year veteran of IMPD, will assume the role pending confirmation by the Indianapolis City-County Council. She is scheduled to be sworn in on Monday, Feb. 2.
Mayor Hogsett credited Terry's leadership with helping drive recent public safety improvements in the city, noting that criminal homicides are at an eight-year low. Terry has served as deputy chief of operations for the past two years, overseeing data-driven strategies aimed at reducing violent crime and strengthening community relationships.
According to the mayor's office, Terry has played a key role in Indianapolis' Gun Violence Reduction Strategy since 2022, an initiative officials say has contributed to a significant drop in homicides and non-fatal shootings.
Terry began her law enforcement career in 1999 and has served in numerous roles across IMPD, including patrol officer, district detective, sergeant, lieutenant and district commander. She has worked in specialized units such as homicide, aggravated assault and violent crimes, and previously commanded the Southwest District.
She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has completed advanced leadership training through the University of Chicago Crime Lab's Policing Leadership Academy. Terry has also served on IMPD's Diversity and Inclusion Council and remains involved in the department's leadership academy as a mentor.
The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police praised the appointment, calling Terry highly respected among rank-and-file officers and noting her focus on accountability, officer wellness and public safety.
If confirmed, Terry will officially become the city's first female police chief, leading one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Indiana.