Columbus, Indiana – Mayor Mary Ferdon announced today Deputy Chief Steve Norman, has been appointed the next Chief of Police for the Columbus Police Department (CPD). Norman will officially take office on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, following his swearing-in ceremony at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting at Columbus City Hall.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of our next Chief of Police. His dedication to serving our community, his integrity, and his leadership skills make him the perfect fit for this role.” Mayor Ferdon continued, “I have no doubt that under Chief Norman’s guidance, the Columbus Police Department will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all our residents.”

A 29-year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, Norman began as a patrolman in 1994 and has served in a variety of supervisory leadership roles including a narcotics detective, public information officer, uniform lieutenant, uniform captain, and deputy chief over the last 25 years. He was appointed as deputy chief by Chief Mike Richardson in January of 2020, whom will retire from CPD at the start of June 2024 and was recently appointed Director of Security and Risk for the city of Columbus.

The chief of police oversees the daily activities of the 85 police officers and multiple support staff in the Columbus Police Department. In addition to this role, the chief also collaborates closely with the Mayor, the Common Council, Board of Public Works and Safety, various city departments, and a range of public and private organizations and citizen groups. Mayor Ferdon noted, “I would like to thank the interview committee which included leaders from within the City and community who dedicated their time to make to assist in the important decision”.

Norman is a 1992 graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. He has held multiple state mandated certifications throughout his career. He is a lifelong resident of Bartholomew County and resides with his wife, Janae, and their three children.

“I am committed to developing the future leaders of this department. I am determined to make the Columbus Police Department, Columbus, Indiana, and Bartholomew County the very best that it can be,” stated Norman. In his first move, Norman appointed Matt Martindale to be Deputy Chief of the department.

Martindale’s career in policing began in 2012 after graduating from the Indiana University Police Academy. He continued on, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice in 2013. A native of South Bend, Martindale began working for the Columbus Police Department in 2014 and moved to Columbus at that time. While serving as a patrol officer for 4 years, he became involved as a field training officer and with the DARE program. He also joined the department’s bomb squad and currently serves as the commander. In 2018, Martindale was assigned as a detective in the criminal investigations division and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2019.