Indianapolis, IN
‘I won’t say I was perfect,’ but former IMPD chief Randal Taylor was ‘Right one for the job’
Outgoing IMPD Chief Taylor remembers hard times, good changes
IMPD Chief Randal Taylor looks at his past four years and onto the future as he gives a final interview the IndyStar.
A red light, a speeding ticket, and a persistent cop.
That’s what former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Randal Taylor says led him to a career in law enforcement. Taylor, who grew up in Illinois, said he ran a red light in Champagne and was pulled over by an officer who would leave a lasting impact.
“His name was Richard Atkins,” said Taylor, now commander of IMPD’s Victim Services Unit. “He gave me a ticket and everything. At that time, I was working in a White Hen Pantry, and he would come in and just start talking to me and ask me about a career in law enforcement. I reminded him that he gave me a ticket, and he’d be like, ‘Well, did you learn a lesson from it?’”
That one question led Taylor to 38 years in law enforcement, including 32 years in Indianapolis. He served as IMPD chief from 2020 to 2024, leading the department during a global pandemic and civil unrest against police brutality after the killing of George Floyd by Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin.
He stepped down to make way for the current chief, Christopher Bailey, and has been a commander for the last year. Now Taylor is set to retire on June 16.
‘I made some mistakes:’ A pandemic, protests and police relations
Since stepping down as chief, Taylor’s role within the department included working with the chaplain’s office, Crime Stoppers, victim assistants, and the non-fatal shooting advocates. They’d report to him with the effort of ensuring all victims were resourced with support and help.
“I still wanted to make sure that I was serving people,” Taylor said. “Some communication between family members and detectives isn’t always where you want it to be, so I try to make sure that we do what we can. Sometimes we can’t give them the answers that they want, but we at least make sure they’re aware that we’re here for them.”
When he reflects on his time as chief, Taylor said he always strived to do what’s right and fair for both the community and members of the department.
“I won’t say I was perfect,” Taylor told IndyStar.
Before the world was reacting to George Floyd’s death, Indianapolis was dealing with its own officer-involved shooting that caused community outcry. Dreasjon Reed, 21, was fatally shot by Officer DeJoure Mercer during a foot pursuit in May 2020.
Taylor said, “I made some mistakes” when it came to Reed’s case, which he regrets.
“I was still new to the chief thing, you know,” Taylor said. “People were telling me, ‘You just need to be quiet, don’t talk about it,’ and all this kind of stuff. Well, the problem with that was the public started filling in their own narrative, and they were wrong in that narrative.”
Taylor felt that if he had gotten ahead of the case with facts first, a false narrative surrounding Reed’s shooting wouldn’t have stuck with people’s already mistrust of the police.
“It’s unfortunate that young man lost his life, but one of the things I was glad that I did was encourage the state police to handle that investigation. ‘Cause I, myself, and Deputy Chief (Kendale) Adams were initially in the pursuit.”
And amongst the national outcry on police brutality, Taylor remembers being on Luger Plaza with protesters during protests downtown.
“‘Cause I didn’t like what I saw either,” Taylor said. “I’ve seen a lot of things, good and bad, in law enforcement.”
He said his decision to step down as chief wasn’t a direct result of criticism heard from community members.
“No one forced me out. It’s something I prayed about for a long time, and so it just so happened to fall close to their criticisms,” Taylor said.
Policies implemented during Taylor’s tenure
Like many departments across the United States, IMPD implemented body-worn cameras in 2020, and more than 1,400 body-worn cameras have been distributed and equipped to the department’s officers. In 2020, the department began publicly releasing critical incident videos involving any use of force by officers.
Before beginning to release these videos, Taylor met with a community group that reviewed and provided feedback on the videos and the process for developing them.
The Use of Force Review Board reviews officers’ use of force and then determines whether their actions violated IMPD policies. This begins once prosecutors and police have completed the criminal investigation of an incident. Taylor, with the input from the community, rewrote the Use of Force policy to include provisions guiding officers’ proportionate use of force, the duty to intervene, a requirement to provide medical aid, and strictly prohibiting the use of chokeholds.
He also prohibited the use of no-knock search warrants after Breanna Taylor was shot and killed by Officer Jonathan Mattingly during a raid on her home in Louisville, Kentucky, in March 2020.
Under Taylor’s leadership, IMPD’s Use of Force Board and General Orders Boards were created. The General Orders Board examines police policies and considers possible changes. Both have a majority civilian representation.
Taylor’s thoughts on current IMPD Chief Chris Bailey
Taylor, who worked as assistant chief under two different chiefs before him, said that Bailey was always in the mix.
“You know, Chris and I go way back,” Taylor said. “He’s different from me. I, myself, am more of a people person. Not saying that he’s not, but some people have just said earlier today, they thought I was the right man for the job at that particular time. I’d say the same thing about Bailey now.”
So, what’s next for the former chief?
Taylor said he originally had no desire to climb the ranks to become a chief. He only wanted to be a detective. Taylor and his wife moved to Indianapolis in 1993, and he worked across units, including undercover narcotics, child abuse, internal affairs, and financial crimes.
The Indianapolis Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were separate agencies at that time.
He was a sergeant and lieutenant captain before the departments merged in 2007, and from there, he rose through the ranks before the mayor offered him the position of chief.
Unsurprisingly, Taylor said he still wants to serve the community in some capacity, whether with the police department or a sheriff’s office.
The former chief, who turned 60 this year, said outside of policing, he’s into motorcycles. He’s also looking forward to spending more time with his family, including his two sons and daughter.
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
According to a few different rankings, here are the best available NFL free agent defenders for the Indianapolis Colts.
As the Indianapolis Colts attempt to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, free agency will have to be a big part of that equation.
The Colts will have money to spend this offseason. According to Over the Cap, the Colts have $45.77 million in available cap space. Compared to the rest of the NFL, this is the ninth-most in football currently.
As GM Chris Ballard said on Thursday, salary cap-wise, the Colts are in “good shape.”
The Colts also have the ability to create more cap room if needed.
Last offseason, we saw Ballard take a much more aggressive approach in free agency. From the sounds of it, he will “continue down that path” this offseason.
There are always reasons to address just about every position group over the course of an offseason, but two specific areas Ballard mentioned on Thursday were the defensive front and getting faster on defense as a whole.
So, with a focus on the defense, specifically the front seven, here are the top available free agents this offseason at those positions.
Best available 2026 NFL free agents on defense for Indianapolis Colts
- DE Trey Hendrickson
- DE Jaelan Phillips
- IDL John Franklin-Myers
- LB Quay Walker
- LB Devin Lloyd
- DE Odafe Oweh
- DE Boye Mafe
- LB Nakobe Dean
- DE Joey Bosa
- IDL Travis Jones
- DE Khalil Mack
- LB Demario Davis
- DE Kyle Van Noy
- IDL Teair Tart
- IDL DaQuan Jones
*This list was compiled by rankings from Sports Illustrated, The Ringer, and Bleacher Report
INDIANAPOLIS – Confidence remains high.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon made that clear Sunday night when she announced the Indianapolis Colts would move forward under the direction of general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen.
And Ballard reinforced that conviction during Thursday’s postscript following an 8-9 record and fifth consecutive season without a playoff appearance.
“It wasn’t all negative,’’ he insisted. “I mean, 8-2 is real.
“That was not a mirage. It wasn’t. We were humming. We were playing good football.’’
After outlasting the Atlanta Falcons in overtime in Berlin Nov. 9, the Colts returned home 8-2.
“I mean, I would have told you when we got back from Germany . . . we had a top-four team in the league,’’ Ballard said. “I believe that. Still believe that.
“But losing seven in a row is losing seven in a row. That’s not what top-four teams do. And that’s reality. That’s the facts.’’
Here’s another undeniable fact: The Colts’ confidence moving forward is rooted in Daniel Jones.
Simple as that.
Yes, the edge pass rush wasn’t nearly good enough and a legitimate bookend for Laiatu Latu is critical. A free-agent acquisition should be a priority.
Yes, the defense must, as Ballard stressed, get younger and faster. The 2026 front-seven won’t resemble the 2025 front-seven.
And yes, the Colts must be able to run the ball better even when situations aren’t favorable. During the seven-game losing streak, which was fueled by injuries to Jones, Jonathan Taylor averaged 63.7 yards per game and 3.3 per attempt.
But if Jones isn’t the answer, nothing much else matters.
There are two significant issues with Jones that would be major impediments to a continued relationship in any other scenario.
Jones:
- Will be an unrestricted free agent in March.
- Tore his right Achilles Dec. 7, underwent surgery Dec. 9 and faces an arduous rehab. He expects to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. That would represent an 8½-month rehab.
“We’ll attack the process and make sure I’m ready to go,’’ Jones said Monday.
“I’m not a doctor and I’m not God in terms of knowing what the future is going to hold in his healing,’’ Ballard said. “ . . . the history of guys coming back has been pretty good and they’ve been older than Daniel.
“He’s a pretty freaky talent in terms of athletic ability. So no, I do feel confident that he will make it back. Will he be the version you saw (last season) right away? Maybe not, but he’s still going to be really good. I think as he goes along and plays, he’ll be fine.
“I know . . . he’s going to give every ounce of his being into being the best he can be to be ready.’’
But first things first, and that means signing him to an extension.
At the risk of assuming too much, that almost assuredly will be done.
“I’d love to be back here,’’ Jones said.
The feeling is mutual.
Ballard was asked if the Colts were committed to retaining Jones “come hell or high water.’’
He smiled.
“Well, hell or high water is a strong word, but we would like . . . it’s mutual on both sides,’’ he said. “I think Daniel was a really good fit for this organization and I think this organization and city were a really good fit for Daniel.’’
A multi-year deal could mirror that of contracts secured by Sam Darnold in Seattle (three-years, $100.5 million, $55 million guaranteed) or Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay (three years, $100 million, $50 million guaranteed).
Ballard admitted Jones’ Achilles injury and rehab will impact negotiations, “but we’ll work through that with his agent. He’s got a really good agent.
“We’ll find a way to work through that.’’
If common ground can’t be reached – that probably means guaranteed money – the Colts always could use the franchise tag to retain Jones. The projected 2026 tag for quarterbacks is roughly $46 million guaranteed.
Jones turns 29 in May, which can be the midpoint of a quarterback’s career.
A reinvestment in Jones will represent short- and long-term stability at a position that’s been in flux since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement two weeks before the 2019 season.
“I’m looking at him both: Near and long,’’ Ballard said. “And I think that helps us. I mean, I’ve been very stated about like when you’re chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very . . . it’s hard. Like, your margin for error really shrinks down.
“And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he’s at, where he’s going. Yes, he’s got the Achilles, but I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis. And look, there is some comfort knowing that, okay, we know we’ve got a guy that’s proven, that’s done it, and done some really good things.
“So, that does give you some confidence.’’
Until Jones fractured his left fibula then tore his right Achilles, he had distanced himself from his inconsistent and error-prone six seasons with the New York Giants. You remember, right? One playoff appearance was overshadowed by a 24-44-1 record as a starter and 70 turnovers.
Through the Colts’ 8-2 start, Jones was among the NFL’s most productive and efficient quarterbacks: 3rd in yards (2,659) and completion percentage (69.9) and 5thin yards per attempt (8.3). He joined Peyton Manning as the only player in franchise history to pass for at least 200 yards in each of his first 10 starts.
Jones completed 68% of his passes, averaged 8.1 per attempt and finished with a 100.2 rating. All were career highs.
“I’ll give Shane and the offensive staff a lot of credit,’’ Ballard said, “playing to his strength. He is really accurate with the football, okay, and he’s very smart and decisive of where he plays with the football.’’
What about Richardson?
The team’s undeniable commitment to Jones brings into question Anthony Richardson Sr.’s future with the Colts. He’s under contract through next season – there’s no reason to believe the team will exercise his fifth-year option – and finished the season on the injured reserve.
Richardson underwent surgery to repair a fractured right orbital bone after a freak accident with a resistance band before the Oct. 12 game with Arizona.
“Unfortunately for Anthony, he’s had some really bad luck,’’ Ballard said.
The No. 4 overall pick in 2023 has missed 29 of a possible 51 games because of a variety of injuries.
Richardson lost a training camp competition with Jones and was on the field for just 14 snaps in two games. He practiced the last three weeks but still was experiencing some degree of vision issues.
“He’s got to still work through the vision he has and we’ll see what the future holds there,’’ Ballard said. “We’ll kind of see going forward how that ends up playing out.
“A lot of it’s going to deal with his health, too.’’
Acquiring a late-round pick in a trade for Richardson shouldn’t be ruled out.
He is confident he’ll experience success.
“Oh yeah, no doubt,’’ he said. “If I’ve still got a chance to play football, it is always out there for me.’’
The Colts could consider Richardson expendable after seeing Riley Leonard play reasonably well as a rookie. If there is a concern that Jones won’t be ready for the season opener in September, they could bring in a veteran with starter experience in the offseason.
“Yeah, we’ll work through that,’’ Ballard said. “That is something we will evaluate. We got to make the decision. ‘Okay, if Anthony doesn’t get to where we think he can be, can Riley be the 2?’
“I do think it’s a position that every year we’ve got to address in some way, fashion or form.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.
Indianapolis Sports Calendar 2026: Final Four, Indy 500 & More
Following a banner year in 2025, Indianapolis has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.
The city demonstrated exceptional capacity for hosting diverse competitions, from professional leagues to collegiate championships, setting a high standard for hospitality and logistical execution.
As the calendar turns to 2026, the “Circle City” is not slowing down; instead, it is gearing up for another year of world-class athletic showcases.
The success of 2025 was not accidental.
It was the result of decades of strategic planning that transformed Indianapolis into a hub built specifically for large-scale events.
The city’s compact downtown, connected by skywalks and anchored by top-tier venues like Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, allows fans to navigate easily between hotels, restaurants, and arenas.
In 2025, the city hosted a series of high-profile events that brought significant economic impact and cultural vibrancy to the region.
Local businesses, from Black-owned restaurants on Indiana Avenue to downtown hotels, thrived on the influx of visitors.
The seamless execution of these events proved once again that Indianapolis is capable of managing the complex infrastructure required for national and international sports.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to elevate this legacy further. With a calendar featuring the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the historic Indianapolis 500, and the return of the NFL Scouting Combine, the city is prepared to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors.
These events are more than just games; they are community gatherings that celebrate competition, diversity, and excellence.
Take a look below at Indianapolis Sports Calendar 2026: Final Four, Indy 500 & More.
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February 23 – March 2: NFL Scouting Combine
The NFL universe descends on Lucas Oil Stadium as top college prospects showcase their skills for professional scouts, coaches, and general managers.
This annual event remains a staple of the Indianapolis sports calendar.
March 2: WWE Monday Night RAW
Gainbridge Fieldhouse will host the drama and athleticism of the WWE, bringing global superstars to the city for a night of high-energy entertainment.
March 4–8: Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament
Gainbridge Fieldhouse welcomes the best women’s teams from the Big Ten Conference.
As women’s basketball continues to surge in popularity, this tournament is expected to draw significant crowds.
March 8–10: Horizon League Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament
The action shifts to the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where the Horizon League crowns its champions and determines automatic bids to the NCAA tournament.
March 18–21: NCAA DIII Men’s and Women’s Swimming Championships
The IU Natatorium at IU Indianapolis, known as one of the fastest pools in the world, will host elite swimmers competing for national titles.
April: The Road to the Championship
April marks the climax of the college basketball season, with Indianapolis serving as the epicenter of the sport.
April 2 & 5: National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Semifinals and Championship
Hinkle Fieldhouse will host the semifinals, followed by the championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, showcasing top-tier programs battling for the historic NIT title.
April 3: College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships
Hinkle Fieldhouse hosts this fan-favorite event, featuring the nation’s top shooters and high-flyers in a showcase of individual skill.
April 4 & 6: NCAA Men’s Final Four and National Championship
The eyes of the sports world will turn to Lucas Oil Stadium for the conclusion of March Madness.
Hosting the Final Four is a prestigious honor that underscores Indianapolis’s elite status in the sports world.
April 5: NCAA DII & DIII Men’s Basketball National Championships
In a celebration of collegiate athletics across all levels, Gainbridge Fieldhouse will host the title games for both Division II and Division III men’s basketball on the same day.
Spring and Summer: Racing and Golf
As the weather warms, the focus shifts from the court to the track and the links.
May 9: Sonsio Grand Prix
The month of May kicks off at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Sonsio Grand Prix, setting the stage for the weeks of racing ahead.
May 24: 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500
The “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This iconic event is a cultural touchstone, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans for a day of speed and tradition.
Coaches and players from the expanded Big Ten conference gather to preview the upcoming college football season, bringing media attention from across the country.
July 26: Brickyard 400
NASCAR returns to the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for one of the most prestigious races on the Cup Series schedule.
August 20–23: LIV Golf Indianapolis
The Club at Chatham Hills will host LIV Golf, bringing many of the world’s top professional golfers to the area for this unique team-based competition.
Fall and Winter: Football Focus
The year concludes with major football events that celebrate both heritage and championships.
September 2–7: NHRA U.S. Nationals
Known as “The Big Go,” this drag racing event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is the most prestigious drag race in the world.
Lucas Oil Stadium hosts the Circle City Classic, a celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
This event is a cultural highlight, featuring not only the game but also the renowned battle of the bands, a parade, and community festivities.
The college football regular season culminates at Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Big Ten champion is crowned, often with College Football Playoff implications on the line.
Indianapolis approaches 2026 with a proven playbook.
For residents and visitors alike, the 2026 schedule offers opportunities to witness history and participate in world-class experiences.
Whether it is the roar of the engines at the Speedway, the buzzer-beaters of the Final Four, or the pageantry of the Circle City Classic, Indianapolis is ready to deliver another magnificent year in sports.
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