BY LISA DONOVAN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati City Council on Wednesday lamented the impending retirement of Police Chief Michael Snowden and discussed finding a replacement. The question of who on the force is eligible to take his place is unresolved. Under city civil service rules, none of the five assistant chiefs meets the tenure requirements unless the test is opened up to captains. If the test is opened, five assistant chiefs and six captains then are eligible.
Councilman Charlie Winburn, who said the city was losing "one of the finest of the finest," laid out his suggestions on how to select the next police chief.
Mr. Winburn proposed that city council direct City Manger John Shirey to:
Appoint a citizens advisory panel to make recommendations on three finalists for the job.
Brief council before making any civil service changes or modifications of hiring procedures in connection with filling the police chief's slot.
Mr. Winburn said he served on a citizens police review panel about six years ago leading up to Chief Snowden's hiring.
"It actually brings police and citizens together," Mr. Winburn said, noting that it gives the public some role in hiring the chief.
The city manager ultimately has the appointing authority. Chief Snowden, 50, has been chief since 1992. He said he would retire in January.
