How IMPD's chief would spend his Best Day Ever in Indy
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IMPD's top cop breaks down the best day in his favorite city. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey admits that he takes it personally when bad things happen in the Circle City.
Why it matters: The 27-year department veteran says that emotional response stems from a deep, lifelong love of Indianapolis.
What he's saying: "Everything I have in my life is in some form or fashion because this city invested in and gave to me," he said. "Whether it was Indy Parks as a youngster, or IPS going K-12, or the University of Indianapolis, or now as an Indianapolis police officer … that's my 'why' every single day."
- "I want to build it up and leave it better than I got it for my family, for my friends and for my colleagues."
Zoom in: While catching up with Bailey to talk about IMPD's 2026 priorities and the current state of crime, we asked Indy's top cop how he'd spend his Best Day Ever in the city he loves.
🍳 Breakfast: Lincoln Square in Irvington, which Bailey calls his "happy place," where "the people are great and the food is even better."
- "I get two eggs over easy, bacon and sourdough toast that is toasted within an inch of its life. It is the best breakfast in Indy and I will not be taking questions."
☕ Morning activity: "In a perfect world, I would sip coffee on a porch that overlooks mountains while reading the news and answering emails with my dog Lucy at my side, and the rest of the family blissfully asleep. As many of you are aware, Indy does not have mountains, but everything else stays the same."
🐔 Lunch: Bailey says because he is often downtown, you're likely to catch him grabbing a quick lunch at a pair of popular chains amid the hustle and bustle.
- "We have endless options, but I also find myself mysteriously drawn back to the Chick-fil-A and Chipotle on Washington Street more often than I care to admit."
🚶 Afternoon activity: Gathering the family for a hike to get some steps in.
- "Hitting a trail together is our favorite thing. Bonus points if it ends at a waterfall."
🥩 Dinner: "St. Elmo's, every time. If I could eat there nightly, I absolutely would. Best steakhouse in the country and I will die on this hill."
🏐 Evening activity: "Watching my daughter play volleyball. And when she is not playing, watching college volleyball. This is entirely her fault and she knows it."