Hite sworn in as new police chief

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - On Thursday Mayor Greg Ballard swore in Rick Hite as the city’s newest police chief. Hite, a Gary native, previously served as the interim chief of police after former Chief Paul Ciesielski resigned in April .

“I just could not be prouder to have him as police chief,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the city of Indianapolis.”

Hite worked his way up in the Baltimore Police Department where he served for more than 32 years. Former Public Safety Director Frank Straub brought Hite to Indianapolis originally as the deputy public safety director.

During Hite’s time here, he has been a visible presence - meeting with community leaders, holding pressers on wanted suspects, and sending messages that a new crime fighter is in town.

Already Hite has tried to maximize resources within the department by placing 15 officers who have office jobs and placing them back on the patrol beat.

“He understands the efficiencies we need to adopt and he is not going to sacrifice good performance,” said Public Safety Director Troy Riggs.

Hite stated that part of agenda is to work with officers, neighborhood groups, and residents to make the city safer.

“We will take your complements and complaints seriously,” said Hite. “We have to recognize our answers are out in the community.”

Over the next couple months Hite will meet with Riggs to help develop a better system to save tax payers money without reducing services.