Mayor names interim police chief as search for new leader continues
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — City of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has named an interim police chief as Chief Kim Jacobs nears retirement.
Deputy Chief Thomas Quinlan begins the new leadership role February 8.
Jacobs says she has worked with Quinlan for many years and has appreciated his dedication to the Columbus community and the men and women serving on the police force.
"I have complete faith in his ability to lead the Division of Police into the future, smoothly picking up where I left off in our efforts to constantly improve our service to the people of Columbus," said Jacobs in a statement.
The city is willing to take its time to find the next chief, said Dawn Tyler Lee, who will head the search. “It is more important that we do this right than that we do it quickly,” she said.
The mayor said the national search is an effort to get the best candidate possible.
“There are internal candidates that are eligible that can apply,” said Andrew Ginther. “But they are going to be competing against outstanding law enforcement professionals from around the country.”
“I am grateful to Mayor Ginther for this opportunity to lead our safety forces during the transformations to come,” said Deputy Chief Quinlan. “I commit to all of our safety personnel that I will undertake change with a balanced approach of the community’s needs with officers’ expectations and safety. I ask the community to join us – literally -- as we pursue the Mayor’s goal of doubling diversity over the next 10 years and becoming the model of what community/police partnerships can achieve when we form trusting and transparent relationships.”
ABC 6/FOX 28 will continue to follow the selection process.
