The finalists for the next Columbus Chief of Police have been announced.
A search committee looking to fill the position has selected five candidates:
- D. Samuel Dobson, assistant chief of police for the National Railroad Corporation (AMTRAK) in Washington, D.C.
- Alexander Jones, colonel and chief of the community relations bureau for the Baltimore County Police Department in Townsend, Maryland
- Paul Neudigate, assistant police chief/patrol bureau commander for the Cincinnati Police Department
- Thomas Quinlan, acting interim chief of police for the Columbus Division of Police
- Perry Tarrant, former assistant chief of police for the Seattle Police Department
Mayor Andrew Ginther announced a national search for the next chief after former Chief Kim Jacobs retired in February 2019. Surveys and roundtable discussions with police officers and community members were held. Results were incorporated into a job description by the search firm of Ralph Anderson and Associates that then resulted in 36 total applicants.
“We had a strong pool of applicants for the Chief of Police position from across the country,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Dawn Lee, who is leading the search, in a press release. “After robust discussion from the search committee, we have narrowed the number of candidates to five to interview in person.”
“I am looking for a change agent who will pursue innovation and excellence in policing, someone who will use the recommendations of the resident-led Safety Advisory Commission as a roadmap to guide the division,” said Mayor Ginther. “I am looking for someone committed to increasing diversity among police officers, aligning how we police with community expectations, and approaching this position as an opportunity to serve and protect every person in every neighborhood.”
Candidates will be interviewed by the search committee, Mayor Ginther, City Council Safety Chair Mitch Brown and Director of Public Safety Ned Pettus on November 6 and 7. The search committee will then further narrow down the field and bring those candidates back for a community forum.
The City says the next Chief of Police could be announced as early as the end of this year.
Don’t miss the next update! Subscribe to CU via email for news in your inbox: