Mayor Ginther Announces Chief Quinlan Not to Remain Police Chief
Mayor Andrew
J. Ginther released the following statement regarding the Police Chief:
“It became
clear to me that Chief Quinlan could not successfully implement the reform and
change I expect and that the community demands. Columbus residents have lost
faith in him and in Division’s ability to change on its own. Chief Quinlan
understood. He agreed to step back, so the city can move forward. I appreciate
Chief Quinlan’s service to the community and the changes he was able to
implement in his time as chief.
Deputy Chief
Mike Woods has agreed to serve as interim chief while we begin our national
search for a permanent chief. The search firm Ralph Andersen & Associates
will again assist the city in identifying a permanent police chief on an
expedited timeframe.
I want to
assure Columbus residents that our commitment to change and reform will not
wane as we seek the next leader of the Division of Police. In the coming weeks,
I will appoint members of the Civilian Review Board that I championed and
voters overwhelmingly approved in November. The Board will select an Inspector
General, and we will gain civilian oversight of police for the first time in
our city’s history. My proposed 2021 budget invests in non-police safety
initiatives, including significant increases to mental health, addiction and
recovery services and public health and social workers better positioned
respond to people in crisis. The City will also invest in next generation
body-worn cameras to ensure video and audio evidence is available when needed
most.
I remain
committed to meaningful, lasting police reform and confronting racism where it
exists, advancing social justice so everyone in every neighborhood feels safe.”
Click here to
see a video message from Mayor Ginther.
The city
will not be holding interviews.