Something is brewing at City Hall.
And Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John is at the center of the storm.
A small group of supporters made an appearance at a special meeting on Monday, where most thought St. John”s job was on the line. And we expect it is.
St. John has been placed on administrative leave.
It”s St. John”s second unexplained leave of absence since he took the job in 2007.
After his drinking got out of hand at a 2008 Christmas party, he took a personal leave to grapple with his alcohol problems.
Recently, he missed testifying at a Civil Service Commission hearing, where two officers were appealing their 20-day suspensions. St. John called in sick at the last minute. Reportedly the city demanded that an alcohol test be given to the absent chief, and it came back positive.
While details are hazy, one thing is clear: Something needs to be done.
The affable St. John is hugely popular in the community, and a grassroots movement has begun to save his job. Fueling the keep-St. John drive is the fear by some that Assistant Chief Joe Johnson will be made chief. Johnson has sued the city twice when passed over for the top spot.
However, the police chief”s job is not a popularity contest. Let”s say that again: This is not a popularity contest. The council should examine the evidence and make a decision consistent with city policy.
At least one councilman has pointed toward a mounting crime problem as reason to question the effectiveness of the chief. A quick review of the year”s crime statistics doesn”t show any significant increase in crime.
Even so, if the chief is struggling with a drinking problem, there is more to consider.
The City Council set a precedent when it terminated firefighter Mitchell Banks in 2009 for being too hung over attend a training session at a Jackson seminar.
Mitchell probably thought a few drinks off the clock wasn”t going to interfere with his job. And it may not have in the past.
A position such as police chief requires self-restraint and the ability to make sound decisions.
A police chief could be called upon at any time of day or night, if the situation is necessary.
The City Council has to answer the question, is St. John that man we can call on?
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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