After conducting a national search for the Ithaca Police Chief position, the City of Ithaca search committee identified seven individuals to interview. The search committee then selected two finalists- John Poleway, Former Police Chief of Larchmont, NY, and Lieutenant Thomas Kelly, City of Schenectady Police Department.
It was almost one year ago when Mayor Laura Lewis announced she was withdrawing her appointment of John Joly as the new Police Chief after four Alderpersons announced they would not support it after learning of her decision. Joly was the Acting Police Chief at the time and has since taken an indefinite leave and notified the city he intends to file a lawsuit over racial discrimination allegations.
At this time, the Ithaca Police Department is being led by Acting Chief Ted Schwartz.
