Selvain McQueen officially became the new Columbus police chief Tuesday night, though he’s been doing the job since July.
He was sworn in at the Columbus City Council meeting in front of city officials, residents and family.
The council, mayor and audience gave a round of applause to McQueen after he was sworn in.
McQueen, who has been interim police chief during the search process, was appointed Dec. 12 as the new police chief by a 4-2 vote of the council.
Ward 1 Councilman Gene Taylor, Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens, Ward 4 Councilman Fred Stewart and Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem voted in favor of appointing McQueen. Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box and Ward 6 Councilman Bill Gavin voted against appointing McQueen; both expressed support for Robert Spinks of Sequim, Wash., one of the three finalists for the position.
McQueen has served as a police officer in the Columbus Police Department for almost 24 years.
He most recently served as head of the Criminal Investigations Division and has worked in each division of the CPD excluding narcotics.
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