CINCINNATI – City Manager Harry Black nominated Interim Police Chief Eliot Isaac as his pick for the Cincinnati Police Department’s next police chief Friday.
Isaac is currently the only candidate for the position, but Black said it’s not yet an official selection. City officials will take feedback from multiple groups before making a final decision to hire him. Starting Monday, panels representing the community, police department rank-and-file, clergy, the business community and the Sentinel Police Association will all begin meeting to discuss public safety.
“It would not be prudent to proceed without an inclusive process,” Black said.
Black said he’s aiming to reach a final decision before Christmas.
“If it’s not necessary to do a prolonged search, there's no need to do so,” he said.
Isaac pledged that he would work with community partners and other agencies to address crime and prevent violence.
“I believe in this city and I believe in this police department, and I will absolutely prepare for the challenge,” Isaac said.
Isaac, a Cincinnati native, was first hired by the Cincinnati Police Department in 1988. He has worked in the Criminal Investigations Section, administration, the Internal Investigations Section and was the commander of District 4.
City officials appointed Isaac as the interim chief over the summer after they ousted former Chief Jeffrey Blackwell.
“This is an absolutely key position within our police department," Black said at the time. "Captain Isaac’s background and experience brings a wealth of knowledge that I am confident will bolster our law enforcement and community engagement efforts."
