COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) - The City of Columbia has its new chief, for now.

City of Columbia officials appointed deputy chief Ruben Santiago as the Interim Police Chief for the Columbia Police Department. 

Santiago currently serves as the Deputy Chief for the Columbia Police Department and he was sworn in as Interim Chief at 9:00 a.m. this morning. On Saturday, December 29, 2012, Police Chief Randy Scott announced his retirement Saturday effective, December 31, 2012. Scott will reapply for his position in two weeks.

Scott retired due to  regulations regarding his state retirement regulations affecting law enforcement officers. He explained the move in a letter to the police department.

Chief Sanitiago has been with the City since 2010.  He was previously a captain with the Richland County Sheriff's Department.  According to the city, the organizational structure of the department  remains the same and Santiago will report to  S. Allison Baker, the Senior Assistant City Manager  for Public Safety and Internal Services.