COVINGTON — Earlier this month, on his first day as chief of Covington Police, Tom Schonecker went to 13th and Greenup streets to speak with residents concerned about crime.

        On his third day as chief, the 31-year veteran of the force returned to the neighborhood. This time it was to attend an organizational meeting for a neighborhood block watch.

Schonecker

        Barb Cook, who helps coordinate Covington's 15 active block-watch groups, called the chief's attendance “unprecedented.”

        Larry Barr, 44, of Scott Street, met Chief Schonecker on his visits to the neighborhood.

        “You just don't expect people in a position like Mr. Schonecker to take time out of their very busy schedule to attend a block watch meeting,” Mr. Barr said. “The fact he was there just unified the group.”

        He said the chief's attendance gave neighbors the incentive to get involved because they felt they had the support of the city.

        “It is not us vs. the community,” Chief Schonecker said. “It is the attitude that has changed over the period of time since I have been here ... We are part of the community. This police department belongs to the community. We are not separated anymore. We are like one big group.”

        Ms. Cook, of Covington Neighborhood Watch Inc., a non-profit volunteer group, said Chief Schonecker spent 1 1/2 hours answering questions and reassuring residents that attention will be paid to that area.

        When Mr. Schonecker became chief Oct. 1, he replaced Albert Bosse, who retired after 34 years with the department, nearly six years as chief.

        Chief Schonecker is now responsible for Northern Kentucky's largest police force, with more than 100 sworn officers and a budget of more than $9 million.

        The 55-year-old said being chief isn't something he envisioned when he left the Navy more than 30 years ago as a jet mechanic. He was ready to take a job at General Electric Aircraft Engines in Evendale when an eight-month strike began. Unsure of that plant's future, Mr. Schonecker applied for a job with Covington police.

        The Northern Kentucky native applied under the recommendation of Bill Dometrich. Mr. Dometrich, who retired as an assistant chief from Covington police in 1986, described Chief Schonecker as a workaholic who “likes to get things right the first time.”

        Mr. Dometrich, who owned Yoseikan Karate School in Covington, said it was that work ethic that helped the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Schonecker become a second-degree black belt.

        Covington Mayor Butch Callery described Chief Schonecker as a “straight arrow” — someone with the military's respect for the chain of command who expects people to take responsibility for their actions.

        “I am from the old school,” Chief Schonecker said. “I am a straight arrow. You know where I'm coming from. I don't have favorites on the police department. I'm in no one's pocket.”

        Chief Schonecker, who is married and has a grown child, said his weakness is managing the paperwork required of a chief.

        “Computers just passed me up,” he said. “I can't grasp computer technology. I'm a guy still fascinated by the telephone. I am going to have to learn on how to start adjusting to using computers.”

        There was no computer in Chief Schonecker' office (his secretary has showed him how to use department e-mail five times) and he says he doesn't use his computer at home.

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