Cincinnati police department moves forward under new leaders

CINCINNATI (Angela Ingram) -- The change in direction for Cincinnati's police department has begun. Embattled Chief Jeffrey Blackwell was fired Wednesday, Sept. 9, and interim Chief Eliot Isaac took over. Chief Isaac, a veteran Cincinnati police officer, said he was ready for the challenges that were ahead. He talked about addressing an uptick in shootings in the city and supporting the officers as they move forward under his leadership. Isaac has been with CPD for 26 years. On 1230 "The Buzz" he reassured listeners that the police department was moving in the right direction, Our commitment has not changed. We're committed to the community. We're committed transparency. We're committed to community partnerships. Isaac was inheriting a department that the city manager said was crippled by low-morale. The new chief took time to go to roll call and express his support for officers. Union president Kathy Harrell said it was a change that was long overdue and she was confident in Isaac's leadership. I can tell you that in the positions that he's been assigned to, the troops have always enjoyed working for him. He's a very fair assistant chief. He was a fair captain. I believe that he is truly going to take the concerns of the membership to heart, Harrell said. Harrell said already morale was improving because the rank and file feel the city manager listened to their concerns. Isaac wanted to connect with people in neighborhoods and he said with more boots on the ground the department can get a handle on the city's spike in shootings. Isaac dies want to continue some of the youth initiatives former Chief Jeffrey Blackwell started. Isaac is the "interim chief" but he can apply for the permanent position. The city manager said he will conduct a nationwide search for the city's next chief. Follow Angela Ingram on Twitter @newslaw1, and LIKE her on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!