COLUMBUS, Ohio — One of the four finalists for the next Columbus police chief has been eliminated from the race, Mayor Andrew Ginther’s office confirmed.
Derrick Diggs, chief of police with the Fort Myers Police Department, is no longer being considered for the position.
A spokesperson for Ginther did not give specifics as to why the decision was made, saying all finalists “are or would be fine police chiefs.” The spokesperson added Ginther is looking for the candidate “best suited” to lead the department.
10TV previously reported the Florida Commission on Ethics investigated Diggs for possible misuse of his city credit card.
Before becoming chief of police with Fort Myers PD, Diggs served as Toledo police chief.
During a town hall on May 19, Diggs said he was confident he could help rebuild credibility between Columbus police and the community. Diggs has a total of 44 years experience in law enforcement, and helped lead Fort Myers to a 51% reduction in violent crime in the four years he has served as chief.
The recent announcement leaves three remaining candidates for the position, including:
- Elaine Bryant, deputy chief with the Detroit Police Department
- Avery Moore, assistant chief of police with the Dallas Police Department
- Ivonne Roman, Co-Founder of the 30X30 Initiative, NYU Police Project
The chosen candidate would replace Thomas Quinlan who was the chief from February 2019 until January of this year when he was asked to step down.
Ginther is expected to announce who will take the position next week.
