The city of Geneva is looking for a new police chief.
According to City Manager Amie Hendrix, Matthew Colton resigned as police chief last Friday. Michael Passalacqua, who retired at the end of last June after 20 years with the department, will serve as interim chief. In a statement, Hendrix said the search for a new chief will commence immediately.
On January 5th, Chief Colton was placed on paid administrative leave pending a personnel investigation. At the time, Hendrix said there had been no discipline implemented nor were any disciplinary charges pending, as this was not a suspension. The city never released any specific details about the investigation but the Finger Lakes Times reported last month that at least one Geneva Police Officer lodged a complaint against Chief Colton.
Colton, who joined the department in 2008, was named Chief of Police last July. He held a number of positions within the department, including Lieutenant, Detective and Officer.
Interim Chief Passalacqua retired last June after a 20-year career with Geneva PD. Before being named chief in July 2018, Passalacqua was promoted to sergeant in 2011 and lieutenant six years later. Passalacqua was born and raised in Geneva and Phelps. He went to St. Stephen’s School, DeSales High School, and Finger Lakes Community College before going to the Police Academy.
According to Hendrix, the Civil Service eligible list for internal and external candidates is still a valid list from the 2023 search and a canvass of the applicants will be processed by Ontario County Human Resources. Once an eligible list is certified, an interview process will commence immediately. The interview process will include internal and external stakeholder interviews as well as a community interview and review.
Hendrix said the search for a new chief will begin immediately
