Badger, who assumed the department’s No. 2 position in 2006, has announced he plans to retire Jan. 16, two days before Ortiz was scheduled to leave the department.

Mayor John DeStefano Jr. explained: "With the departure of an assistant chief and the anticipated time needed to hire a new chief, I asked Chief Ortiz to remain in his position a few months longer to provide a continuum of command and control within the department. The chief graciously agreed to delay his retirement until we are able to fill his position."

Ortiz is planning to take a position at Yale University after his retirement from the city. The mayor previously had hoped to have a new chief selected by spring, with the help of the Washington, D.C.-based Police Executive Research Forum conducting a nationwide search to find a replacement for Ortiz. For that help, taxpayers will pay $60,000.

It will be money well spent if the research group identifies and brings a strong candidate to lead the city’s police.

Nothing is more important to New Haven’s future than to have the Police Department led by a strong leader who has a background in inner-city police matters.

The city’s crime rate generally has been decreasing over a period of years and the result is New Haven is considered a safe place for those coming in from the suburban towns to enjoy a first-class meal, a show at the Shubert or to do a little shopping in the trendy boutiques downtown.

New Haven has been a city on a roll, as anyone who visits downtown on a Friday or Saturday night can attest. Compare it to a night in downtown Bridgeport and Hartford and you’ll not only see, but feel, the difference.

Having a strong leader as head of the department that is responsible for making the city a safe place is too important a task to move quickly.

Take time, get it right.