CALDWELL, Idaho —
The Caldwell Police Department (CPD) has a new chief after the city council unanimously voted to approve Rex Ingram Monday night.
Ingram, a lieutenant from Los Angeles, California, will take over starting July 5. Ingram is a fifth-generation law enforcement officer with over twenty years of experience in both sworn and voluntary positions.
The decision comes after a months-long process, with unexpected detours along the way. All of which came after Former Chief Frank Wyant retired at the end of May, amid an ongoing FBI investigation into some CPD officers.
In late May, Caldwell Mayor Jarom Wagoner presented a different candidate, Jason Kuzik, for the position. However, the majority of the councilmembers voted against the appointment. They said that Ingram came out on top throughout the interview process.
“We are very excited that the Caldwell Police Department staff has a Chief as it has been a long time coming. I look forward to seeing what Chief Ingram will bring to the city and will support him and provide him all the opportunities he needs to be successful”, said Mayor Wagoner.
During a one-on-one interview, Ingram told 7Investigates he feels the opportunity is perfect for him and his family. He said he has leadership experience dealing with scandals and conflicts and that he can help chart the department on the right course, together, with the brave men and women who serve the city.
"Unfortunately, in any organization or any team, you are going to have a few bad apples. Sometimes that might paint the perception of evil somewhere," Ingram said. "As a chief of police, I’m not going to tolerate unprofessional conduct. I’m not going to tolerate anyone lying, cheating, stealing, or any violation of the code of ethics ethics. I’m going to hold people accountable. What I’m going to do is, I’m going to restore the professionalism this badge once had in this organization for the men and women of Caldwell."
He said he does not know the details of the FBI investigation, and while the issues plaguing CPD are not systematic they are ‘culturally tolerated'.
Ingram has lived in Eagle part-time with his family for the past two years. Partly raised in Mexico, he speaks Spanish and says he is excited to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to his department.
“I am excited for this opportunity to lead the men and women of the Caldwell Police Department who represent what the badge means, no matter what the badge looks like in this world. I look forward to working with those at CPD to restore professionalism, and community trust, to keep Caldwell moving in the right direction, and make sure we are all in this together, as it is a collaborative effort,” Ingram said.
Ingram will be sworn in on July first and his contract will continue until January 2026.
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