COLUMBUS – Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan, whose brief tenure in office was marred by cries of racial injustice, criticism over police tactics during downtown protests and continued anger over the killing of unarmed Black man Andre Hill, has been demoted by Mayor Andrew Ginther.
The Democratic mayor announced the removal Thursday, saying it had become clear to him that Columbus residents have lost faith in Quinlan and the police department’s ability to change by itself.
“It became clear to me that Chief Quinlan could not successfully implement the reform and change I expect and that the community demands,” Ginther said in a video message.
While Quinlan steps back into the role of deputy chief, another deputy chief, Mike Woods, will serve as interim chief during a nationwide search conducted by the firm Ralph Andersen & Associates for a permanent replacement.
“It became clear to me that Chief Quinlan could not successfully implement the reform and change I expect and that the community demands. Columbus residents have lost faith in him and in Division’s ability to change on its own. Chief Quinlan understood. He agreed to step back, so the city can move forward. I appreciate Chief Quinlan’s service to the community and the changes he was able to implement in his time as chief.” -Mayor Andrew Ginther
Quinlan said while he hoped to remain in the position, he respects the decision.
“The opportunity to serve as your Chief of Police has been the honor of my career. While I very much hoped to continue in that role, I respect the Safety Director’s decision, and the community’s need to go in a different direction. We accomplished a lot in my time as Chief. We implemented dozens of reforms geared toward accountability, transparency, and strengthening public trust. Someone else will now carry those priorities forward, and I will help and support them in any way I can. In my three decades of service to Columbus, my commitment has never been to any title or position. It has been to this Division and this community I love. That will not change.” -former Police Chief Thomas Quinlan
Criticism was levelled at the Division of Police for unnecessary uses of force during protests downtown in the wake of the killing of a Black man by Minneapolis police. The outcry led to changes in police crowd-control tactics, including restrictions on the use of chemical agents like pepper spray.
The actions also prompted criticism from Ginther and City Council President Shannon Hardin, who was doused with pepper spray, along with Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Franklin County Commission Kevin Boyce, during demonstrations near the Statehouse.
“I support Mayor Ginther’s decision to move forward with a search for a new Chief of Police as a way for our community to continue to heal,” Hardin said in a statement issued by council. “I appreciate Chief Quinlan’s genuine efforts to push reform from inside the Division. Council remains focused on reform and a reimagined vision for public safety. I look forward to working with the next Chief of Police.”
Ginther, Hardin and other leaders called for a civilian board to oversee the division, which was approved by voters in November.
Members of the Civilian Review Board will be appointed soon and they will select an Inspector General for the division, Ginther said.
In his 2021 budget, Ginther has also proposed increased funding for mental health, addiction and recovery services and for more effective deployment of public health and social workers.
The city will also purchase new body-worn cameras to ensure video and audio evidence is available. The officer who was fired after shooting Hill on the Northwest Side on Dec. 22 did not turn on his body-worn camera until after the shooting and did not render first aid while Hill lay injured before he died.
“I remain committed to meaningful, lasting police reform and confronting racism where it exists, advancing social justice so everyone in every neighborhood feels safe,” Ginther said.