By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-915628.mp3
Albany, NY – The Rotunda at Albany City Hall was the setting for the noon-hour swearing-in of Albany's new police chief, Steven Krokoff. The event is the culmination of a ten month, nation-wide search for the new head of the Albany Police Department. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas was in attendance and files this report.
The 40-year old Krokoff is one of the city's youngest chiefs... he joined the Albany Police Department in 1993 ... the UAlbany grad was promoted to Sergeant in 2000, Detective Sergeant in 2003, and Deputy Chief in June 2008. Krokoff became Acting Chief in September of 2009 after Chief James Tuffey abruptly retired as reports began circulating among Albany Common Council members that Tuffey had made a racial slur. Alice Green, Executive Director at the Center for Law and Justice hailed Krokoff as a "peoples chief" - Mayor Jerry Jennings says he has been very comfortable with the way Krokoff has handled his duties as "acting chief" - County Legislator Brian Scavo labels Chief Krokoff "approachable" - As with any public or law enforcement official, time will tell whether or not a good selection was made.