Melanin Magic | Kendale Adams | Deputy Chiefs of Criminal Investigation Division of the MPD.

Deputy Chief Kendale Adams oversees the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. CID is responsible for major investigations and investigative support services for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. CID’s mission is to address crimes against persons by employing various crime reduction/prevention strategies including initiating long and short-term investigations, collaborating with local and federal criminal justice partners, engaging with community partners, investing in technological resources, and advocating for and assisting victims of crime.
CID is divided into six branches: Homicide and Victim Assistance, Aggravated Assault and Robbery, Covert Investigations, Commercial Crimes, Special Victims Crimes, Cyber Crimes, and Special Investigations. There are 215 merit police officers and 41 professional staff employees in the Criminal Investigations Division.
Deputy Chief Kendale Adams was formally Deputy Chief of Oversight, Audit and Performance Division, policy development, general crime analysis, body-worn cameras, discipline, and internal governance of the department. Deputy Chief Adams oversaw the strategic direction of the department, working closely with external, community, and practitioners within the profession of law enforcement. Deputy Chief Adams has overseen the introduction of several high-profile policies such as the use of force and pursuit policies, the deployment of over 1300 body-worn cameras, and the body-camera policy.
Deputy Chief Adams’s 24-year law enforcement journey started in 1997 with the Indianapolis Police Department. Deputy Chief Adams has experience in operations, investigations, and administrative functions of the police department. Deputy Chief Adams has served as district car, narcotics detective, and injury shooting detective. Deputy Chief Adams has also served as a Public Information Officer and Executive Officer to two chiefs of police. Deputy Chief Adams also has a unique and extensive experience with strategic engagement with disenfranchised communities, strategic partnerships, and communication.
Deputy Chief Adams attended and successfully completed the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Leadership Academy, the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officer Course at the University of Louisville, the FBI National Academy, and PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Policing. Deputy Chief Adams is a proud graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Deputy Chief Adams has amassed several profession-specific trainings and certificates over his 24-year law enforcement career.
Deputy Chief Adams is actively involved in his local community serving in his church and local non-profits mentoring young adults. Deputy Chief Adams is married to Kimberly Adams and has three children, ages 10, 13, and 24. Deputy Chief Adams is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity INC, and 100 Black Men, INC.