Search for Columbia Top Cop Begins

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., —

City Manager Teresa Wilson says the job opening was posting Tuesday and they’re searching for candidates nationwide to fill the position left vacant by former police chief Randy Scott.

Wilson says the candidate must have 8 years of experience and they’re looking for someone with Chief experience or higher. It’s a search that could take a few months to narrow down, but interim Chief Ruben Santiago who has been leading the department for the past 6 months says he has every intention on throwing his hat into the ring.

” Let me make it very clear, I am very interested in being the police chief for the city of Columbia. I think i bring a lot to the table as my owrk over the past few months clearly demonstrates. but if they find someone more qualified than me I will support that 100 percent.”

Wilson however made it very clear, Santiago’s work which has been “great” will not give him an advantage on any of the other candidates who may apply for the full time position paying between 89 and 115 thousand dollars a year.

Chief Santiago says more important than landing the job is making sure whoever does get the position is qualified, dedicated and fully aware of what it takes to be a leader of law enforcement.