Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John is expected to appear before the City Council on Tuesday, to answer for events that led to his ongoing paid suspension.
While details surrounding the suspension are unclear, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith placed St. John on leave when he called in sick at the last minute for a Civil Service Commission hearing. St. John was supposed to testify at the hearing of two officers who were appealing their 20-workday suspensions, which were without pay and which he recommended.
According to city officials, St. John tested positive later that day for alcohol.
St. John took a leave of absence reportedly to seek help with alcoholism in late-December 2008 through early-January 2009.
Though no council members have said they plan to make a motion for his termination, several community members have voiced support for St. John keeping his job, some even displaying signs in his favor.
The City Council meeting is at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at the Columbus Municipal Complex.
The council has several mostly routine business matters on their agenda prior to executive session, when it likely will close the public portion of the meeting to address two personnel matters, including possible disciplinary actions for St. John.
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