In a standing room only press conference, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson announced the appointment of a new police chief, and shared the new comprehensive approach in the city will address crime.
Gary native Larry McKinley, a 15-year veteran of the force and most recently the Deputy Chief, was tapped by the Mayor to lead the Department.
“Chief McKinley has the temperament, vision, intellect and integrity to lead this department,” said Freeman-Wilson.
McKinley selected retired Gary Police Captain Tom Papadakis to serve as Deputy Chief. Papadakis is also a Gary native who served on the Gary Police Department for 34 years in a various roles until his retirement in 2011.
“It is my honor to lead the outstanding men and women of the Gary Police Department,” said McKinley. “I came up through the ranks, and I understand their passion for the job and the many challenges that come with it. Tom Papadakis will make an excellent addition to our leadership team, and we are glad to have him come out of retirement to accept the role of Deputy Chief.”
Freeman-Wilson then went on to discuss the last 60 days of violence that the city has been faced with and outlined measure that will be taken to address crime in a comprehensive fashion.
“Today I am declaring that there is nothing normal, acceptable or usual about criminal behavior,” said Freeman-Wilson. “I am inviting the public to hold us accountable. Just as you have done with the Sheraton, the Airport, Marquette Park and so many other important aspects of our community, getting crime under control is the most important project of them all because it impacts the quality of our lives.”
The Chief has already begun his first assignment which is to submit a plan to the Mayor that addresses officer compensation, getting more officers on the street, the use of technology in crime prevention, new equipment, training of incoming officers and any other measures that will prove effective as policing measures.
The department is also in its final phases of hiring 14 new officers.