SPOKANE (AP) — The Spokane City Council has voted to confirm longtime police officer Craig Meidl as the new leader of the city's police department.

The Spokesman-Review reports that the council's vote Monday comes after the city put up $28,000 to find a replacement police chief. The vacancy was left by Frank Straub, who was forced from office last year amid harassment allegations.

Spokane Mayor David Condon had selected Meidl for the job this summer, but councilors were upset with the decision because it was made without their approval. Condon later agreed to restart the selection process and picked Meidl over three other candidates last month.

Meidl said at Monday's meeting that he was appreciative and thankful the process was finally over.

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