Wilson: Chief Santiago ‘Interviewed’ for Position

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — For the first time publicly, Columbia city manager Teresa Wilson revealed that interim Columbia police chief Ruben Santiago was, in fact, interviewed for the permanent position, contrary to popular opinion. However, he did not make it from the group of 12 candidates to the final five. The five finalists for the police chief position are in town for a three day assessment as part of the hiring process. But, at City Hall, they’re not the ones everyone was talking about. Everyone is talking about the one candidate not in the running. Finalists are in the Capital city for a three-day assessment as part of the hiring process. The integrity of that process, late Tuesday, though, was repeatedly called into question by council members who were being briefed on the progress of the national search. They interrogated search committee chairman, Richard Bolchoz about an email he sent in August saying, in part, “the chief’s position should not be open to any current or former member of the columbia police department.” Some members feel that amounts to bias, and, therefore, the search was skewed. On the other hand, Bolchoz fired back saying he actually defended Santiago after the interim chief did not make the final cut. City manager Wilson stands by the search process and knows the kind of leader she’s looking for. “I’m looking for a firm individual who can command the respect of his officers and lead them and have the goal of making Columbia home for the duration,” said Wilson. Wilson says she hopes to make have someone as a permanent chief by mid-March.