Search for Chief of Police On Hold

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “When we were in the process of advertising for the position, that’s when the SLED investigation began and we were holding off until we got some confirmation on that,” says Pam Benjamin, Human Resources Director for the City of Columbia. 

Nearly four months after former Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott resigned, his permanent replacement has yet to be found. 

Instead, Ruben Santiago has filled in as Interim Chief while officials were supposed to be searching for a new chief. 

But, at last week’s city council meeting that was put on hold, according to Benjamin. 

The decision stems from an ongoing SLED investigation looking into claims by former Police Captain David Navarro.

In July, Navarro filed suit against Santiago accusing him of corruption. Santiago has denied the claim and has filed suit against Santiago for defamation. 

When asked if city officials were concerned over whether the SLED investigation would hinder the hiring process for a police chief, Benjamin gave us this response, “We feel that it is a great opportunity for someone and um, we certainly want to make sure that we’re able to recruit the best candidate possible and so we don’t want anything to distract or deter from that.” 

There is still no time table on when the position will be posted, that of course is pending the SLED investigation.

ABC Columbia News has learned that when the position becomes open, the city will conduct a nationwide search and consider internal candidates including Ruben Santiago if he applies.