Cincinnati's next police chief will again come from outside the department ranks, says the Cincinnati Enquirer. Jeffrey Blackwell, a deputy chief with the Columbus Police Division, is City Manager Milton Dohoney Jr.'s choice for the city's next top cop. Blackwell beat out more than 30 applicants, including three internal candidates. Those who know Blackwell say he's a smart, thorough police officer with a wide range of experience in all aspects of policing. He's a keen leader who demands the best from those he supervises.
His passion, they say, lies in working with the community, in particular youth, minorities and disadvantaged members of society. Genoa Township Police Chief Stephen Gammill, a former colleague in Columbus, said, “He was always coming up with innovative ideas. If I had a problem in the city, I would send Jeff out to talk to the community because that was his strength.” Cincinnati leaders hope Blackwell will advance the work accomplished by Chief James Craig, who left in June to become chief in Detroit, continuing Craig's efforts to boost officer morale and strengthen ties to and engagement of the community.