By tapping Bryan Roach as the new leader of the Indianapolis police force, Mayor Joe Hogsett signaled at once both a continuation of current strategy and a change, reports the Indianapolis Star. Roach said he is a “firm believer” in the beat policing and data initiatives championed by former Chief Troy Riggs, and will, for the most part, stay the course. He has played a role in formulating Hogsett’s sweeping criminal justice reform plans and said he believes in that vision, too. Unlike two recent predecessors, Roach, 51, an assistant chief, is the consummate insider. He was born in Indianapolis, graduated from Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis and has worked at the police department for 26 years. He rose through the ranks.
Hogsett announced the appointment at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, citing a need for a leader who was shaped by — and is committed to — the community. “Where one in three children live in poverty. Where our homicide rate is far too high. Where it is easier for many of our children to get their hands on a gun … than on a diploma,” Hogsett said. “Bryan Roach is best equipped to face those challenges.” The announcement came just weeks after Riggs’ surprise resignation after serving for less than a year, citing the job’s low pay of $117,187 per year.