Greensburg police chief resigns post

GREENSBURG, Ind. (GREENSBURG DAILY NEWS) - Greensburg Police Chief Brian Heaton announced Monday he will be stepping down from his post as the head administrator of the department.

Mayor Gary Herbert accepted Heaton's resignation from the position of chief Monday. Heaton said his decision was based on personal issues and a feeling he had helped the Greensburg Police Department as much as possible.

This story comes from our news partner The Greensburg Daily News

"I feel I have taken the department as far as I possibly can. The decision came with a very heavy heart, much prayer and consultation with my family and friends," Heaton stated in his resignation letter. "My family has made tremendous sacrifices for me for the past three years and it's now time for me to spend more quality time with them."

Herbert said he accepted the resignation Monday, noting Heaton will return to his original rank before his appointment in January of 2008.

"For nearly three years Brian has provided leadership to our local police department, and I am grateful for his service to the City of Greensburg and local law enforcement," Herbert stated. "However, for reasons personal to Brian, he has chosen to resign and reassume his position as Patrolman First Class. Although Brian will no longer be serving in an administrative capacity, his new position will enable him to be more active on the streets of our city."

Herbert said Assistant Chief Stacey Chasteen will takeover the department in the interim. The search for a new chief will be far and wide, and the Mayor noted he will not be in a rush to fill the position.

"Due to the importance of this position, I will not put a timetable on selecting a new chief, but instead, I will place an emphasis on selecting the most appropriate person for the position," Herbert said.

Heaton noted he will assist Chasteen and the new chief to make the transition as smooth as possible. He noted he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the city's police force and tried to approach his duties with the citizens in mind on a daily basis.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege to serve as the police chief and greatly appreciate the opportunity. It was truly an honor. I served giving my total support and 100 percent effort. During my tenure as police chief, all decisions were made with careful thought and consideration for what was best for the department. I have always, and will continue to be completely committed and loyal as a Greensburg police officer," Heaton stated.

Since his appointment as chief in January 2008, Heaton has strived to make the department run as efficiently as possible with the resources at hand, he said. After attending a conference in 2008, Heaton used the DDACTS (Data Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety) system to pinpoint the best way to manage the department. For the next year, a decade's worth of data was processed to develop a strategy for the department.

In June 2009, Heaton implemented 10-hour work shifts, which has reduced the total hours of overtime by 62 percent, according to GPD data. This also led to a 73 percent reduction in comp time, which translated to more officers and dispatchers on duty for the city. With an increased presence, Heaton noted reported crimes had also decreased from 908 in 2007 to 664 in 2009 with 417 reported through mid-September of this year. More officers on the road has also led to an increase in traffic enforcement, with a 27 percent increase in vehicle stops during his tenure.

The department has also increased its communications with other departments as well as its ability to oust drug activity in the community, he noted. While he was chief, Heaton noted he couldn't have done it without the support and assistance of the department whose ranks he looks forward to rejoining.

"I would like to acknowledge my sincere thanks to the members of the Greensburg Police Department whom I have the utmost respect, admiration and appreciation for. The hard work, loyalty to their professionalism and support has been beyond reproach. I also would express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the community for their overwhelming support," he stated. "I've served the residents of Greensburg humbly and proudly and to the best of my abilities with a 'blue collar' attitude and a straight-forward approach to being open minded, honest and non-political. Most of all I thank my family for their love and support for their enormous sacrifices made for the past three years."