Jill Schlude has been named Columbia’s police chief and is the first woman to hold that position.
“I’m humbled by the trust placed in me by the city leadership, our department and the community,” Schlude said, who has been the department’s assistant chief since 2019.
The decision was announced at a 2 p.m. press conference at city hall by City Manager De’Carlon Seewood.
Schlude will be sworn in at the Dec. 4 council meeting, and her annual salary will be $165,000, according to Seewood.
Schlude’s announcement prompted a standing ovation from attendees.
“Policing is a noble profession that requires dedication, integrity and a genuine commitment to public service,” Schlude said. “I want to assure you that I am fully committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.”
Schlude was one of four finalists for the position. The other candidates were Nathaniel Clark, former police chief in Forest Park, Georgia; Dan Haley, formerly a major in the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department; and Michael Zeller, the deputy police chief in Greeley, Colorado.
Schlude said that the other candidates for the position “very graciously contacted me and congratulated me.”
In making the announcement, Seewood noted that the city held nine community forums, multiple community panels and received survey responses from 1,000 residents.
Seewood thanked Stephens for his service as interim chief, leading to a roomful of applause.
“When you have … an internal candidate that ends up becoming a chief, it makes it a smoother transition,” Stephens said. “So the issues that are prevalent are already known by that person before they get there.”
Mayor Barbara Buffaloe said 51% of the Columbia community is female.
“And so if I have a very low amount of females on my police department I want to see that number grow,” Buffaloe said. “Representation in all of our city departments is important to me.”
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