Columbus Promotes Police Chief

NBC 4: Deputy Chief Walter Distelzweig was announced Wednesday as the new police chief for the Columbus Division of Police. The announcement was made by Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, who described Distelzweig as a hands-on leader…

Distelzweig has served the department since 1972. At the ceremony, Distelzweig said it is an honor to serve as Chief of Police and that he will be accessible to the public. “Distelzweig brings forward 36 years of experience within the division and is committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe. He will focus on getting results, managing police resources, and making sure that our officers have the tools they need to be the best,” Coleman said.

As a deputy chief, Distelzweig oversaw internal investigations, business and personnel administration. The change comes at a critical time for the police department. In January, its police recruit class was laid off only to be reinstated due to federal stimulus money. Distelzweig replaces former Chief James G. Jackson, who was sworn into office in 1990 and held the post for 18 years. His last day as chief was in November 2008. In years past, Chief Jackson clashed with the city because of funding and hiring issues.

Distelzweig will be the first police chief to serve under the 1999 Charter Change, in which individuals selected as chief will be appointed to a five-year term with the possibility of appointment to a second five-year term based on job performance. When asked if he is already considering ten years as chief, Distelzweig said that he will discuss that at a later point.

According to rules established by the Columbus Civil Service Commission, eligible candidates for the police chief’s office must be a current deputy chief or commander with the Columbus Division of Police. Candidates must have a State of Ohio driver’s license, a Bachelor’s degree and one year’s continuous service as a deputy chief or five years’ continuous service as a commander.