After interviewing three finalists for the police chief job, Mayor Toni Harp may look for more candidates before making a final decision.
Harp offered that update on her latest appearance on WNHH FM’s “Mayor Monday” program.
Harp last week completed interviews with three cops chosen by her search committee as finalists for the chief’s position: current Acting Chief Otoniel Reyes, retired Lt. Kenny Howell, and retired Assistant Chief (and current school system security chief) Thaddeus Reddish. Harp has received intensive pressure from some corners of the African-American community, including the Rev. Boise Kimber, to select Howell.
“I haven’t made a decision. I’m looking at a number of things, trying to get as much information as I can so I can make an informed decision,” Harp said Monday.
“I might look at people who didn’t make the [final] three. I’m looking at everything.”
Asked when she expects to decide, Harp responded, “I’m hoping to do it soon. I don’t want to make a hasty decision and make a bad one.”
Seven people originally applied for the job, including cops from Baltimore and Chicago.
Harp was also asked on the program about the status of negotiations with the police union on a new contract. The union has been working without a new contract for over two years; the matter has gone to state arbitration. However, during the months-long arbitration process, the two sides apparently resumed talks about how to reach a mutually acceptable deal.
“I’m hearing that they’re close” to a deal, Harp said. “It’s my sense that it will not be part of an arbitration agreement.”
Click on the Facebook Live video below to watch the full episode of WNHH FM’s “Mayor Monday,” which also featured a discussion with City Engineer on sidewalks, bridges, berms and bike lanes.
WNHH’s “Mayor Monday” is made possible with the support of Gateway Community College and Berchem Moses P.C.