After almost two decades the city of Columbus will have a new police chief. WOSU reports the job goes to a seasoned veteran of the department.
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman announced Walter Distelzweig as the city's incoming chief of police. Distelzweig, who worked his way up through the ranks, joined the division in 1976. By 1998 he was a deputy chief.
"You know, when you start a career in law enforcement you want to be the best street cop you can be, and do your job. You take an oath to do the things you're supposed to do and protect the people. And I think when you first come on you never think about being a chief. And, uh, it's pretty amazing," Distelzweig said.
"The future" was the theme of the announcement. And Coleman made no effort to hide his readiness to replace Chief James Jackson whose retirement from the post becomes effective this month.
"I've been thinking about this for about ten years now," he said.
Coleman said he's been looking for a police chief who will try out new ideas and promote a new generation of police officers.
"As we move forward to the future, that we had the right kind of leadership for the 21st Century of this division of police because we're about the future," the mayor said.
Distelzweig said his first priority as chief will be an internal review of the division. His predecessor repeatedly said the city does not have enough police officers. Distelzweig would not say if he thinks that's the case, although staffing is an area he says he'll examine.
The most current police recruit class, set to graduate this Friday, was reinstated after being told there was not enough money to pay them. And Distelzweig, during his acceptance speech, acknowledged the division is operating under a tight budget.
"It's our job now to focus on the future. We've got some challenges, I like to call them opportunities. And we will get through this year in all the issues, I guess, that are going on not only in our city but nationally," he said.
After a scandal in the late 90s - Chief Jackson took a low-profile in the community. Distelzweig said he'll be visible to the public as well as to his staff, although he said he is not a micro-manager.
"I'll be around. You'll see me. And I will be accessible," Distelzweig said.
Jackson served as the city's police chief for some 19 years. By city law, Distelzweig cannot stay that long. Police chiefs can serve no longer than 10 years.
Distelzweig has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 36 years. They have two children: Lisa and Curt. Distelzweig also served in the Ohio National Guard.