Mayor Mary Ferdon announced today that Mike Richardson, current Chief of the Columbus Police Department, will be the first Director of Security and Risk, following his retirement later this spring. Richardson will begin his new role on June 3, 2024.
“Employee, visitor and building security is of highest priority to us in the environment we operate in now. Having a dedicated department and staff to evaluate our buildings, processes and provide training for all employees is critical. We are tasked with protecting not only our employees, but all citizens and visitors who use our buildings. We’ve chosen to be more proactive and I’m very appreciative of the support our City Council members have given to make this happen. Mike Richardson brings experience, new ideas and passion for public service to this role as we move forward with protecting our city.” said Mayor Ferdon.
Richardson, a 29-year veteran of the Columbus Police Department, began as a patrolman in 1994 and has served in a variety of supervisory leadership roles including sergeant, lieutenant, uniform captain, and deputy chief. He was appointed as chief by Mayor Jim Lienhoop in 2020 and was reappointed by Mayor Ferdon in January 2024. He will retire from the police department at the start of June 2024.
“I am thankful and honored for this opportunity from Mayor Ferdon to remain a public servant for the Columbus community,” said Richardson, “I am excited to continue my almost three-decades-long commitment to keeping Columbus safe. I look forward to continuing to work with city departments and the community to explore new ways we can give peace of mind to everyone who visits Columbus, and especially to those who call it home.”
The Director of Security and Risk will be responsible for overseeing all City of Columbus government security for buildings and operations. These operations include coordinating strategic risk prevention, monitoring city-wide safety, leading security and risk prevention training, and approving Emergency Response Plans for all city facilities, departments, and programs. Richardson will also play a key role in developing emergency response plans for new NexusPark operations and programs.
Richardson is a Bartholomew County native who graduated with an A.S. in Law Enforcement from Vincennes University in 1989 and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Indiana State University in 1991.
