Better late than never.
This phrase should never apply to safety, especially on a campus of this size, but has been the virtual calling card of the UK administration when it has come to selecting a permanent police chief.
After three long years, Vice President for Public Safety Anthany Beatty said the search will end Thursday, according to a Wednesday Kernel article.
Over those three years, a plethora of excuses have been made — namely the one that goes something like: “We need to take our time to hire the best candidate.â€
The caution is understandable. The past two police chiefs have left UK with egg on its face.
But three years?
Late is only slightly better than never — if it is indeed “better†at all. UK better get this one right.
Three years, with a flip-flop, on again, off again search is inexcusable. The only way to make it worse is to strike out a third time.
For three years, they had a chance to promote current Interim Police Chief Maj. Joe Monroe. Assuming Monroe has once again applied (he was a candidate the last time the job was open), UK will still have that opportunity.
Whether UK promotes Monroe or chooses a different candidate, one thing is clear: with at least 60 applicants and with so much time to get everything in place, the time between closing the search and selecting the permanent chief should be quick and seamless.
There’s been plenty of time taken to select the best candidate for police chief. If the due diligence hasn’t been completed in three years, it never will and UK will, in effect, admit safety is of the lowest priorities to this administration.
The university is paying thousands upon thousands for kiosks, maps and signs. Now that people know where to go and not to smoke, isn’t it time to let them know there is a name and a face responsible for campus safety?
The onus on UK President Lee Todd and Beatty was to make sure UK spent the least amount of time without a qualified, permanent police chief. Waiting any longer will be a direct reflection of both men’s lackluster effort in making safety a priority.
Now give this campus what it deserves — a permanent police chief.
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