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Detroit Close To Decision On New Police Chief

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Detroit Police Department could have a new top cop by the end of the week.

After months of searching and interviews, the Board of Police Commissioners submitted five candidate names to Mayor Dave Bing and the emergency manager.

Board Chairman Jerome Warfield said one of those candidates-- Cincinnati Police Chief James Craig -- brings a lot of relevant skills and expertise to the table.

"He has significant experiencing dealing with gang issues and details with crime issues," said Craig. "He studied ... I think he was working on his doctorate degree in organizational leadership.

"He's actually participated in the downsizing or the right-sizing of a command structure, to make sure that more officers are actually working in the street," Craig said.

Warfield said, however, all five candidates are qualified for the job

"No matter which one they pick, I think the law enforcement community of Detroit will be a better place," Warfield said. "Very specifically, as relates to the guy in Cincinnati, certainly he brings some expertise and brings some skills and experience that just in my personal opinion would bear well in leading the department.

With input from Bing, Detroit's Emergency Manager Kevin Orr will have the final say in the hiring.

Former Chief Ralph Godbee left his post abruptly early last October amid a sex scandal involving an alleged affair with an internal affairs officer. Interim Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan announced that he plans to retire when the new chief if hired. He did not apply for the permanent job.

The new chief is expected to be paid an annual salary of $85,700 to $140,500.

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