Mayor Joe Hogsett has named the Indianapolis police chief as his top adviser.
Chris Bailey, who has led the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department since January 2024, replaces Dan Parker, a longtime Hogsett confidante who resigned as chief of staff in December after serving in the role for more than three years.
In a press release, Hogsett said Bailey has shown an ability to “manage large-scale operations” and “deliver results in high-pressure environments.”
“Chris Bailey is a proven leader with a longstanding career defined by service, accountability and meaningful results,” Hogsett said in the press release. “His appointment as Chief Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff underscores our administration’s continued commitment to public safety and stronger neighborhoods.”
Bailey will officially step into the role on Feb. 2. He’ll also need to be confirmed by the City-County Council.
The new job may force Bailey to take a pay cut. Bailey’s salary was $145,468 in 2024, according to public employee records. Parker’s salary as chief of staff was $129,598.
Hogsett said he plans to appoint a new police chief in the coming weeks.
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Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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