ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Ted Schwartz was named Ithaca’s new acting police chief last week.

He says it started with a conversation.

Schwartz, who reached the rank of lieutenant at IPD, adds the new position is getting his full-time attention.

Schwartz will lead the department until a permanent police chief is named. He’s succeeded John Joly, who served as acting chief at IPD for two years before taking an indefinite leave of absence last month.

FULL INTERVIEW: Ted Schwartz on Ithaca’s Morning News