Hammond's chief of police is responsible for managing and leading the police department. The duties of a chief include creating and implementing policies, managing budgets, coordinating investigations, promoting community engagement and safety measures, ensuring the safety of the public, and enforcing laws.

The mayor appoints the chief, who then serves as a representative of the city and acts in accordance with the city's ordinances and regulations. The chief works closely with the mayor and other city officials to ensure that their department's objectives align with the overall goals of the city. The chief of police is also responsible for supervising and overseeing the performance of subordinate officers and staff, promoting training and development, and maintaining high ethical standards throughout the department.

Chief of Police

William Short

William (Andy) Short was hired by the Hammond Police Department on September 26, 1988, and is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He was promoted to 1st Class Patrolman in 1989, 2nd Class Patrolman in 1990, Corporal in 1996, Sergeant in 2000, and Lieutenant in 2006. During his tenure with the Hammond Police Department, he has served in the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer, K-9 Handler, was a part of the Bike Patrol Program, and a SWAT Officer with the Hammond Police Departments SWAT team. He was assigned to the Special Deployment Division, where he performed the duties of the Gang/Narcotics Unit Officer, and was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s HIDTA Task force in Lake County. William (Andy) Short was assigned to the Internal Affairs Division for 5 years, and in 2016, was appointed as the first African American Assistant Chief of the Hammond Police Department.

On November 12th, 2020, history was made, when Assistant Chief Short was the first African American Assistant Chief to officially swear in Hammond Police Officers.

Today history is made again, as William Short is now the first African American Chief of Police for the City of Hammond.

Assistant Chief of Police

Jeff Long

Jeffery Long was hired by the Hammond Police Department on December 18, 1989, and is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. During his time with the Hammond Police Department, he has served in the capacity as a Patrol Sergeant, and Shift Lieutenant; Field Training Officer, K-9 Handler, SWAT Officer, and was assigned to the Internal Affairs Division for five years. Jeff has attained the ranks of 1st Class Patrolman, 2nd Class Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and fulfilled the duties of Captain in the Uniform Division for a total of twelve years. He previously held the title of Assistant Chief for four years. He is a veteran of the United States Army, and a lifelong resident of the City of Hammond. Jeff brings a wealth of supervisory experience to the position of Assistant Chief.