Straub was originally expected to leave his position in July, but the city has yet to find his replacement despite a pool of 50 applicants, RTV6's Rafael Sanchez reported.

Straub told Sanchez that his successor could be named this week.

"We're doing a selection process now for the person who will come in and replace me. We did some interviews in July and we have some scheduled this week actually," he said. "By the end of Thursday, I'd expect we'd be pretty close to identifying some potential successors."

Straub is also among two finalists for a police chief position in Spokane, Wash. He told Sanchez on Tuesday that officials from that city would be visiting Indianapolis on Friday.

Straub said he believes the new public safety director's biggest challenge will be the department's $11 million shortfall.

The problem emerges as police and firefighters are both scheduled to get 3 percent raises next year.

Straub said he wouldn't offer any official advice since he's leaving.

"I would argue that in the public safety budget, there is no fat whatsoever," Straub said. "There are things you can reduce or eliminate to save money, but that's a business decision."

Straub announced his resignation in April before a potential no-confidence vote. He had been under fire for the handling of a 2010 crash involving Indianapolis police Officer David Bisard that killed a motorcyclist and injured two more.

Straub said he did not ever consider stepping down because of the incident, but admitted it was a difficult case to handle.

"The Bisard incident is a sad one. We have to make sure it never happens again," he said.

Straub said he will leave Indianapolis proud of his work in the city.

"I think it's a city with tremendous future. I did the best I could," he said. "You will always critics. It's impossible not to have critics. Your critics help you do your job better."