SLED probes delay search for Columbia police chief

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Columbia will wait for two state investigations to finish before continuing with its search for a new police chief. Councilwoman Leona Plaugh told The State of Columbia (http://bit.ly/15OHHx5 ) that it will be hard to get the best candidates to apply until the State Law Enforcement Division’s investigations into corruption and the handling of a petty cash account are complete. Plaugh says city council decided to wait after meeting last week. They will have input into the new chief, but City Manager Teresa Wilson will make the final decision. Interim Chief Ruben Santiago will continue to run the department. One of the SLED investigations is into his conduct, but he has denied any wrongdoing. City officials promise a national search as soon as the SLED investigations are finished. ___ Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com