July 7, 2016 - Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that Steve Reed has been appointed as police chief for the City of Fort Wayne effective Aug. 1.

Reed has been with the Fort Wayne Police Department since 1993. Most recently, he’s served as assistant police chief since January 2014. In addition, Reed has held positions of director of training at the Fort Wayne Police Academy, deputy chief southwest division, captain of investigative division, sergeant of internal affairs, homicide team sergeant, and detective. Prior to joining the Fort Wayne Police Department, Reed served as a patrol officer for the Butler City Police Department and confinement officer for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department.

“Public safety is critical to the current and future success of Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “Steve is a true professional and a man of integrity who is ready for this leadership position. His communication skills and a commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone in our City are clear indications he is the right person to lead the Fort Wayne Police Department.”

“This is a tremendous honor to be asked to serve as police chief for the City of Fort Wayne,” said Reed. “The Fort Wayne Police Department’s commitment to being the very best will continue as we work together with residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and law enforcement agencies to ensure our community is as safe as possible. Open communication and innovative approaches to public safety will enhance our ability to meet the needs of our City.” 

Mayor Henry and Public Safety Director Rusty York highlighted that priorities under Reed’s leadership will include:

*Renewed focus on operations division by giving quadrant commanders more resources to combat crime and proactively serve the public

*Expand the use of crime analysis to locate concentrations of crime, the types of crimes being committed, and other information that will help craft the most effective response

*Enhance intelligence gathering by partnering with local representatives of federal law enforcement agencies

*Continue to improve community relations through outreach programs and working with neighborhoods to build relationships. The new community relations division will assist in leading this effort.

*A focus on website and social media efforts to enhance services to the public

Reed earned an associate’s degree from Vincennes University and is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. A swearing-in ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 in Room 035-Council Courtroom on the garden level in Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St.

Garry Hamilton, Fort Wayne’s current police chief, will lead the Fort Wayne Police Department’s new community relations division as part of his duties as deputy chief of the northeast division effective Aug. 1. That announcement was made in February. The position change was at Hamilton’s request as he has a heart and passion for dedicating his time to help residents and bring law enforcement efforts closer to neighborhoods and businesses. Hamilton will lead proactive efforts to engage and communicate with residents and neighborhoods to continue to build trust and open communication on public safety matters.