CINCINNATI — The search for the next chief of the Cincinnati Police Department is now down to four. Finalists were introduced at City Hall Tuesday morning before speaking at a community forum in Pleasant Ridge later that night.
Cincinnati residents get to have a say in determining whether a high-ranking CPD officer or an outsider is the best person for the job. Those at Tuesday's forum wrote in several comments and concerns for the candidates to discuss, including the department's relationship with the community.
Here are the candidates:
Larry Boone
Larry Boone, the former police chief of Norfolk, Virginia, discussed the importance of bringing the community together and explained how his experience will help him do that while at City Hall.
"Things that you are trying to move forward, the philosophies with respect to equity, with respect to transparency with respect to build relationships within the community, I have done," Boone said. "I am championing your efforts and I am ready to move this mountain."
At the forum, Boone discusses the importance of addressing community relations, ongoing crime and "police culture."
Todd Chamberlain
Todd Chamberlain spent over 33 years with the Los Angeles Police Department before retiring. He later returned to policing as the Chief of the Los Angeles School Police Department.
"I enjoy the interaction with officers. I enjoy the opportunity to impact the agency and organization and make sure that it's functioning at every level possible to do the best for service," Chamberlain said. "And that's what I've had the opportunity to do for my 35 years."
He said he believes he brings a different perspective on how to fix situations in Cincinnati as opposed to candidates who may be used to the way CPD is.
Lisa Davis
Lisa Davis is a Lower Price Hill native and currently serves as the assistant police chief of the Cincinnati Police Department. The Xavier University and Ohio University graduate is also a Navy veteran.
"I’ve been in this department for 30 years and I’ve really proved myself," Davis said. "I'm ready to take that next step from day one to be the chief of police here in Cincinnati."
She said abuse of power will not be tolerated if she is chief, saying it "erodes community."
Teresa Theetge
CPD’s current interim police chief took over after former Chief Eliot Isaac left earlier this year. Theetge said some of her priorities include addressing gun violence, officer wellness and recruiting.
"Just like every agency across this country right now, we are struggling with recruiting and retention for officers," Theetge said. "I believe that is tied to our staffing shortages, which is why we're putting a lot of time and effort into recruiting and retention."
Theetge said the person who leads the department needs to hold themself and everyone else accountable.
"At the end of the day, if you say you're going to do something, you better do it. They're going to hold everyone accountable."
The community forums are meant to provide an opportunity for the public to interact with the finalists directly. Iris Roley, an advocate for the Cincinnati Black United Front and advisor for the city manager, encourages residents to attend them.
"I say come to both to hear the consistency, the continuity of answers," Roley said. "What have they done around youth in policing? What have they done to reduce arrests? Those things matter."
The next forum is Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Westwood Town Hall Auditorium (3017 Harrison Ave.) from 6:30-8 p.m.
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