Tanya Terry becomes first woman to lead IMPD
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Indy's new top cop will lead the department through a season of change. Photo: Courtesy of IMPD
When she began her law enforcement career nearly three decades ago, Tanya Terry never saw herself as a police chief.
What she's saying: "I actually viewed myself as a career street cop," she told Axios. "I really loved being a beat officer and served in various roles throughout the years that just deepened my love for the work that we do."
- "However, as I continued to grow up within this department … I was able to see firsthand how impactful leadership and supervision can be for our agency, and for our community."
Why it matters: The 27-year veteran plans to carry her beat cop mentality and community-first approach forward while making history as the first woman to permanently lead the department.
Driving the news: Terry's appointment as Chris Bailey's successor comes during a season of significant change for the IMPD.
- She'll now be the one leading the implementation of the department's updated five-year strategic plan; overseeing efforts to recruit and retain talent in the face of an ongoing officer shortage; and managing the biggest shift adjustment Indianapolis police have seen in more than 30 years.
Mayor Joe Hogsett says there is no one better suited for the task, crediting her efforts as a deputy chief and district commander as one of the reasons crime is trending down locally.
- "When it comes to the safety and security of Indianapolis, few have spent as many waking hours dedicated to our city as Tanya," Hogsett said in a statement. "With Chief Terry leading our IMPD officers, I am confident Indianapolis will continue making progress in shaping safer neighborhoods."
Catch up quick: Terry joined the department in 1999 after graduating from Warren Central High School and studying psychology and sociology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
- She most recently served as IMPD's deputy chief of operations with a focus on data-driven efforts to reduce violent crime and building stronger community relationships.
Zoom in: Terry tells Axios she wants to pay tribute to all the women who paved the way for her to have this opportunity.
- "While I may be the first in this seat, there were so many other firsts because of women that came before me … so (the significance) is not lost on me," she said. "It's important for young girls in our community to see people that look like them in important roles and taking on important responsibilities in their community."
What's next: Additional IMPD command staff appointments will be announced after Terry is sworn in Monday.