If nothing else, Columbia was treated to a prime example last week that some people simply can’t (or don’t feel the need to) grow out of high school.
Last Thursday, the city was treated to a “I’m not fired, I quit” response from our former interim police chief, Ruben Santiago. The city is currently finalizing its pick in police chief, which means that Santiago would have effectively given up his role as an interim officer.
Instead, mere days before the transition would be put into effect, he quits.
In usual circumstances, his stepping down would be an end to a overlong term spotted with needless scandals, almost all of them instigated by Santiago himself. (Threatening to personally arrest liberal-minded Facebook users isn’t exactly what we were looking for in our law enforcement officials.)
Additionally, Santiago’s public sideshow forced Columbia to find another acting police chief to preside over the few days until a final police chief is decided upon.
Santiago’s actions are a disservice to the city he was sworn to serve.
Instead of holding his position for the rest of his allotted time, he has caused needless disruption in an organization that needs as much stability as it can get.
Inconsistent leadership isn’t a great sign when it comes to public image, as well.
This uncertainty in structure sends an uncomfortable and unwelcome message: “We don’t know what we’re doing.”
After the smoke clears in the next few days, all we’re hoping is to see the city choose a stable police chief who carries out the extent of their office in a reasonable and effective manner.
Consistency and competency are the two most important concepts when it comes to police chief. Let’s hope the city chooses the right person for the job.