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Columbus announces search committee for new Chief of Police

It’s been two months since former Police Chief Kim Jacobs retired. Tom Quinlan was named Interim Police Chief.
File Photo - Columbus Police (WBNS-10TV)

The City of Columbus has begun its search for the next Chief of Police by announcing members of a search advisory committee.

It’s been two months since former Police Chief Kim Jacobs retired. Tom Quinlan was named Interim Police Chief.

“We have an opportunity with the selection of the next chief of police to help assure that she or he is the best possible candidate whether they are internal or external to the Division,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “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. 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.”

Members of the search advisory committee include:

  • Dawn Tyler Lee, Chair, Deputy Chief of Staff of External Affairs in the Office of the Mayor
  • Dallas Baldwin, Franklin County Sheriff
  • Dee Debenport, Coordinator, Merion Village Block Watch
  • Stephanie Hightower, President, Columbus Urban League
  • Reverend Dr. Jefferey P. Kee, New Faith Baptist Church of Christ
  • Kenny Ramos, Retired Sergeant, Columbus Division of Police
  • Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, Development Director, Equality Ohio
  • Pastor Brian Williams, Hope City House of Prayer


The committee will meet for the first time this week and will hire a firm to manage community outreach during the process.

"Community engagement will be the cornerstone of our chief of police search,” said Mayor Ginther. “In the coming weeks, we will be inviting residents to share their thoughts about what they would like to see in our next police chief. We will be engaging a variety of people in a variety of ways. We want to hear from students, seniors and everyone in between."

A new chief is expected to be selected by the end of the year.

“As I have said many times, I have great confidence in the Columbus Division of Police, and I believe our officers are among the best in the country,” said Mayor Ginther. “The officers and the residents of Columbus deserve the very best in their next Chief of Police.”

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