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Police board continues search for new chief; Gov. Blunt urges caution

04:10 PM CDT on Wednesday, August 20, 2008

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(KMOV) -- Governor Blunt issued a word of warning for the St. Louis police board as it searches for a new police chief in the midst of the ongoing towing scandal.

Blunt urged the board to do their homework in the search for the new chief.

The search now includes 13 candidates.

Members of the police board are well on their way to picking a new chief, despite the concerns of the governor and the police officers union.

There is a federal investigation underway into the use of seized vehicles by members of the police department, and even former chief Joe Mokwa's daughter.

Because it's not known who else may be involved, the governor and police union are urging a delay in choosing a new chief.

During a meeting on Wednesday, Col. Chris Goodson confirmed the process is going forward.

The board hopes to have a decision by October.

The board also announced that Col. David Heath, a 39-year veteran of the department, will help advise the board as it investigates each candidate.

Heath is the current head of the Bureau of Professional Standards.

No word yet on when the federal investigation into the towing scandal will be over.