Getting to know Tanya Terry, Indianapolis’ first permanent female police chief – WRTV

Getting to know Tanya Terry, Indianapolis’ first permanent female police chief  WRTV

Terry has served on IMPD for nearly three decades, and her focus as chief will be on reducing violent crime, officer retention, and strengthening community partnerships Tanya Terry, a 27-year veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, will be sworn in as chief on Monday, making history as the first woman to permanently lead IMPD. Terry’s appointment comes as Indianapolis sees criminal homicides at an eight-year low. Her focus will be on reducing violent crime, officer retention and strengthening community partnerships. “It’s incredibly humbling and an incredible honor, really, to be considered,” Terry said. In nearly three decades with IMPD, Terry has worked patrol, homicide and at leadership levels.

Most recently, she served as deputy chief of operations, where she was responsible for every police district in the city. “Young girls in our community can see me serve in this capacity and know that somebody that looks like them can contribute to their community in such an impactful way,” Terry said. Terry grew up in Indianapolis and is a graduate of Warren Central High School. She describes herself as a people-centered, people-oriented person and lifelong public servant. “I grew up on this police department the last 27 years. I look forward to expanding on the relationships that I already have, establishing new ones,” Terry said. Early in her career, Terry