It appears Detroit Police Deputy Chief Elaine Bryant has been selected to be the next chief of the Columbus Division of Police.
In a tweet, finalist Ivonne Roman said Bryant was “stellar during the town hall and the residents of Columbus are lucky to have her.”
Sending a BIG CONGRATS to Detroit's Deputy Chief Elaine Bryant on being selected as the next Columbus, OH Police Chief. She was stellar during the town hall and the residents of Columbus are lucky to have her. GodSpeed sis; & we want you/CPD as our next @30x30initiative partner!
— Ivonne Roman (@PD_PhD) June 1, 2021
Columbus spokeswoman Robin Davis said she cannot confirm this, but that the city expects to make an official announcement later this week.
Bryant was chosen after a national search for which 34 people applied. The finalists were retired Newark, New Jersey police chief Ivonne Roman, Dallas Assistant Chief Avery Moore and Fort Myers, Florida police chief Derrick Diggs. The city eliminated Diggs at the end of last week after the Florida Commission of Ethics launched an investigation into his conduct.
On May 19, the city held a virtual town hall with the candidates. Last week, Moore, Roman and Bryant all did in-person interviews in Columbus.
The chief position is a five-year term, and the first year is probationary. There is an option for a second five-year term.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig retired Tuesday, June 1 after 44 years. He announced that he intended to retire May 12, but did not announce the actual date until this past weekend. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan named James White the interim chief.
