IMPD's Randal Taylor ready to investigate retirement
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Photo illustration: Allie Carl/Axios. Photo: Jon Cherry/Getty Images
Monday is IMPD Commander Randal Taylor's last day at work.
The big picture: Taylor has protected and served the Circle City for more than three decades, including a recent stint leading the department through four of its most difficult and transformative years as chief.
Flashback: Taylor took over as IMPD's top cop in 2020, just in time to navigate his officers through a global pandemic; the police shooting of Dreasjon Reed, a 21-year-old Black man whose death sparked a summer of protests; and a 2021 mass shooting at a FedEx facility that still weighs heavily.
After stepping down as chief at the start of 2024, Taylor became commander of IMPD's Victims Assistance Unit.
- He's interested in continuing to help victims' families get the resources they need as a member of the department's professional staff.
What's next: Taylor, 60, said even in retirement, he has no plans to stop trying to make Indianapolis a better place for everyone who calls it home.
Ahead of his final shift, Taylor sat down with Axios to reflect on the ups and downs of his 38-year law enforcement career and share why he believes the future of the department is bright.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
🚔 Nearly 40 years of police work, 32 spent in Indianapolis. How are you feeling as you prepare to do something different?
- "I feel like it's time, and I'm feeling good about it. No regrets or anything right now. I still want to work in some capacity, but I have no problem with putting this law enforcement chapter to rest."
🤔 What time period as an Indianapolis police officer stands out the most?
- "When I got started [as chief] I came right into COVID, and that was difficult not just for this department, but obviously all across the country. But then we had the Dreasjon Reed case that was extremely tough. And of course, FedEx.
- "FedEx impacted me most personally, because I was out there with those families for such a long period of time," he said. "I had a hard time shaking that and had to really think about how those kinds of things impact you mentally during the long haul. I had not dealt with that before."
📈 From the creation of a use of force review board to the implementation of a departmentwide bodycam program, you made big changes to IMPD's operational structure. How are you feeling about the department's trajectory under the leadership of Chris Bailey?
- "Chris has been there by my side for a while, so I've seen him operate and had no issue when he took over the chief spot. Knew he would continue to progress.
- "And Chief Bailey has also done some great work on improving the mental health aspect for officers, which I think is certainly going in the right direction."
👮♂️ With an ongoing officer shortage, recruitment is a major priority. Do you have any words of wisdom to leave for the next generation of local law enforcement?
- "Don't be afraid to be a people person. You've got to ask questions and get to know people, and that's always been a plus. And there's no particular pattern for someone to follow to be a police officer."
🙏 What do you want Indianapolis residents to remember about you and your time with the department?
- "I just hope that they know that I care about them. I care about you. I care about our officers. Hopefully you thought I was fair.
- "It's been a great career. I don't regret any of it."