Public Safety Director Troy Riggs leadership tested early

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Troy Riggs has only been Indianapolis' public safety director for two weeks, but his leadership has already been put to the test.24-Hour News 8 got an exclusive look Tuesday night at his first performance review from those he now commands.

In a law enforcement career spanning three decades and now three states, Riggs is no stranger to devastation. But, the response to the call of an explosion in the Richmond Hill subdivision on the city’s south side Saturday night is now among his proudest moments.

“That was the largest single explosion I've ever witnessed,” Riggs told 24-Hour News 8’s Troy Kehoe. “What I saw in watching that operation was as close to flawless as you're going to get.”

Two days, and little sleep later, Riggs—a former Louisville Police officer and Corpus Cristi, Texas Public Safety Director--decided that message needed to be shared. So, he headed to fire and police stations across the city to meet with first responders who helped out. Some responded to the situation while off duty, simply looking for ways to help.

“At a community meeting tonight, the residents down there took the time to give our firefighters and police officers a standing ovation. I thought that was very kind of them, from people who have lost so much. That’s a tribute to all of you,” Riggs told one group of firefighters.

Still, as cleanup continues from one disaster, work to prevent others never stops.

24-Hour News 8’s trip with Riggs came just hours after an officer fired shots at an armed suspect. Fire stations he was visiting saw rescue crews headed to put out flames in an apartment. And, as sirens blared in the distance, Riggs manned two different cell phones, pressing for updates on a cause from the blast scene on the south side.          

“It’s been a long week already, but we are all trying to make what's best for the citizens of this city,” Riggs said. “And, I believe that's what they want too.”

To do that, Riggs says he's already adopted some of the same principles championed under previous Director Frank Straub, who at times came under fire for his leadership style. But, Riggs said some of Straub's reforms have helped pave the way for efficiency in the department.

“And we’ll continue to look at those--everything from sick time usage to overtime, and looking at the allocation of personnel to make sure it makes sense,” he said.

But, speak with Riggs, and you’ll quickly hear him repeat the same mantra over and over: communication is the key. That’s one area where officers were often critical of Straub.

“Certainly, there were some positive things in the past,” Riggs said. “I can't talk about [Straub’s] leadership style, because I wasn't here at the time. But, I can tell you that my leadership style is one where I believe that we all need to participate. Our employees need to participate. They need to have a seat at the table. And, our citizens need to participate. At the end of the day, Mayor Ballard has hired me to make some very tough decisions. And, I'll make those decisions. Whether they agree or disagree with the decision, they will have a voice.”

Still, Riggs says both sides will have to compromise.

He's committed to developing a 3-year budget plan—something called for by Fraternal Order of Police leadership. He also promises he'll name a new police chief by the end of the year, though he wouldn’t commit to whether current Interim Chief Rick Hite would be named to the post permanently.  

New recruit officers the FOP have pushed for, however, may be a harder sell.

“I have told the Mayor and the Council I will not ask for any additional revenue until I can stand and say emphatically that I believe we have done everything we can to be as efficient as possible in these organizations,” Riggs said.

That efficiency will start in Riggs' own office.

He’s asked police and fire brass to form a committee to search for new efficiencies. For example, civilian officers hired at lower salaries may soon be called on to maintain data entry instead of sworn officers.

In addition, Riggs says positions will be cut from his office. He hopes the savings of at least $200,000 can be used to put more officers on the streets.

“ I want to show that you can be efficient and effective,” he said.

Still, Riggs admits hurdles remain.

The department's handling of the Officer David Bisard case and low morale among officers has left work to be done.

“I've promised [the FOP] that they will have a seat at the table. Their voice will be heard. And, we'll address a lot of the issues they're bringing up. They're right on a lot of issues. We need to do a better job of supporting them. There's also some morale issues, but they're coming up with some good solutions, and they want to do more,” Riggs said.

That must work hand in hand with those they serve, he added.

“ We have to earn the public's trust back. And, hopefully they see that this is a new day for the department of public safety,” he said.

One test is now completed. Many more