New IMPD Chief Touts Falling Crime Rates, Outlines Vision

Tanya Terry, the newly appointed Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department chief, presented her plans for the future at her first city council meeting.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In her first appearance before the Indianapolis City Council's public safety committee, newly appointed IMPD Chief Tanya Terry touted the city's falling violent crime numbers and shared her vision for the department's future. Residents from neighborhoods where Terry previously worked also provided public comments on her new role. Terry did not give a definitive stance on the ongoing debate around the department's civilian oversight board, but said she appreciates community involvement in IMPD policies and processes.

Why it matters

Terry's testimony comes at a critical time for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, as the city has seen significant decreases in violent and property crimes over the past year. Terry's leadership and strategic plan will be closely watched as she aims to build on this progress and address ongoing public safety concerns in the community.

The details

During the meeting, held at New Direction Church to improve neighborhood access, Terry emphasized that the department's recent crime reductions 'belong squarely to our officers, detectives and professional staff.' She also announced that she will release her strategic plan for the department next week, though she did not provide many specifics. The meeting also touched on the ongoing debate around civilian oversight of IMPD, as a state bill that would limit such boards makes its way through the legislature.

  • Chief Terry testified before the Indianapolis City Council's public safety committee on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • At the end of 2025, IMPD reported significant double-digit decreases in both violent crime and property crime compared to 2024.

The players

Tanya Terry

The newly appointed chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, who has been with the department since 1999 and worked her way through the ranks.

Danita Hoskin

The president of the Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, who referred to Chief Terry as 'Tonya' and said 'What you see is what you get.'

Keith Graves

An Indianapolis City Council member who questioned Chief Terry about how the community should be involved in a 'meaningful way.'

Leroy Robinson

The chair of the Indianapolis City Council's public safety committee, who sponsored the proposal to create the IMPD civilian oversight board in 2020 and said he 'adamantly agrees' it should remain in place.

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What they’re saying

“I step into this role mindful of the responsibility it carries and the expectations that come with it.”

— Tanya Terry, IMPD Chief (fox59.com)

“We know her as Tonya. What you see is what you get.”

— Danita Hoskin, President, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association (fox59.com)

“How do you see the community being involved in a meaningful way?”

— Keith Graves, Indianapolis City Council Member (fox59.com)

“I adamantly agree that it should remain in place to have civilians involved in the process, not take them out of the process as an oversight in how things operate in IMPD.”

— Leroy Robinson, Chair, Indianapolis City Council Public Safety Committee (fox59.com)

What’s next

Chief Terry announced that she will release her strategic plan for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department next week, which is expected to provide more details on her vision and plans for the department.

The takeaway

Chief Terry's testimony highlights the progress IMPD has made in reducing crime, but also the ongoing challenges and debates around issues like civilian oversight. Her leadership and strategic plan will be closely watched as she aims to build on this progress and address public safety concerns in Indianapolis neighborhoods.