Councilman: It's time for Blackwell to move on

It's time for Police Chief Jeffrey Blackwell to leave, says a Cincinnati city councilman who has supported the chief previously.

The statement from Councilman Wendell Young comes in the wake of an announcement from the Cincinnati Police union that it's planning a vote of no confidence on the chief, who has run the department of 1,144 employees for the last two years and has coped the past six months with shootings, the murder of an officer and questions about his policing strategy.

Young, a former police officer and a leader in the city's black community, said nothing the chief can do will win back his detractors.

"I hate to say it, but it is in everyone's best interest that he move on," Young said. "I hope he will land someplace where he will be appreciated for innovation, sincerity, dedication and commitment to community oriented policing."

Added Young: "I support the chief, but I'm concerned that the continuous sniping at him has achieved its desired result. The chief is now a distraction and this scenario of death by a thousand cuts cannot continue."

Meanwhile, Council members Yvette Simpson, Chris Seelbach and P.G. Sittenfeld countered with support for Blackwell.

"There's never been a vote of no confidence by the Fraternal Order of Police, not even during 2001, one of the lowest points for the department," Simpson said in an issued statement Thursday. "It's disheartening that the FOP is considering such a measure at a time our department and our chief is being held in such high regard nationally."

After a promotions ceremony for four officers Thursday, Blackwell said "I can't be concerned about things I can't change."

He added he wasn't aware there was friction in the department.

"I can't get caught up in distractions," he said.

Police union President Kathy Harrell is convening a special meeting where members can address issues of low morale, staffing levels and concerns. Officers told The Enquirer a vote of no confidence in Blackwell, who has been on the job two years, is expected.

The vote comes after months of discontent among officers. The city manager has heard so many complaints he ordered a climate assessment of the department. A report is due out any day. Union President Kathy Harrell has been complaining about street level staffing for months.

Mayor John Cranley said the police union "may have legitimate concerns" and has directed City Manager Harry Black to make the problem "a top priority."

It all comes during an increase in shootings that all city leaders are focused on reducing.

Nonetheless, Simpson called the vote of no confidence "disheartening."

"If the FOP issues are low morale, wages or other personnel issues, dictate those items to the mayor, the city administration or city council." Simpson wrote in her statement. "Not Police Chief Jeffrey Blackwell. He is working with the resources we have given him and is doing the best job he can."

Cranley said Blackwell has been a good spokesman for Cincinnati "as we have dealt with some tough issues lately" including the death of Police Officer Sonny Kim and the fatal shooting of Samuel DuBose by a University of Cincinnati police officer.

"In any organization, there are diverse viewpoints," Cranley said. "The FOP is entitled to their opinion and may have legitimate concerns. For our city to be effective, we will need to find a better working relationship."

Sittenfeld, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2016, said he's "appreciated collaborating with the chief on meaningful efforts to reduce crime and to empower the community" but is also "glad to have a strong relationship with our FOP, including with President Harrell."

"I hope our collective focus moving forward will be on working together to continue making our city as safe as possible," Sittenfeld said.

Councilman David Mann said the chief's future isn't up to him.

“This is the City Manager’s decision, and I will support his conclusion," Mann said. "Obviously lack of support in the rank and file is a factor that he will have to take into account as he evaluates the situation.”

Council members Amy Murray and Christopher Smitherman declined to comment on Blackwell's future.

Council members Kevin Flynn and Charlie Winburn did not immediately return calls for comment.