Word tonight that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation may be called in to investigate complaints regarding the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. There has been an on-going internal affairs investigation after concerns were made public by several city aldermen last month about possible under-reporting of crime.
Sources tell us that Interim City Manager Stephanie Cutter has directed Metro Police Chief Willie Lovett to engage the Georgia Bureau of Investigation immediately to investigate those complaints. The complaints began surfacing last month after crime statistics for 2012 were released showing most crimes were on the decline. Several city Aldermen came forward saying they were hearing from their constituents that officers were discouraging them from filing reports for minor thefts and other crimes.
That's when the City Manager met with Chief Lovett and the investigation began. In January, the City Manager told News 3, "We are asking our office of professional standards to investigate the allegations and if we find something or a behavior of an officer that is not proper or outside of standards - then we will seek outside investigation."
We tried to confirm the directive with Police and the City spokesperson - but were told they could not confirm or comment on any possible action until City Council members were notified. On Tuesday we were told a memo would be going out on Wednesday. Wednesday morning we were told it would be going out in the afternoon. Then late Wednesday afternoon - the city spokesman told us that's it's an unresolved issue at this time - that there are concerns that the GBI can not or will not get involved in the investigation. News 3 will continue to follow this story and bring you more as it becomes available.
Thursday, May 23 2013 3:41 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:41:46 GMT
By Randy Key, WJBF Web Content Producer - Augusta, GA - On Tuesday, Richmond County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a wooded area off of Mickey Court regarding a suspicious situation. Upon arrival,
By Randy Key, WJBF Web Content Producer - Augusta, GA - On Tuesday, Richmond County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a wooded area off of Mickey Court regarding a suspicious situation. Upon arrival,
Friday, May 24 2013 5:22 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:22:31 GMT
The father of a missing little girl is speaking out - pleading with his estranged wife to return the child to him. The little girl has been missing for just over a week.
The father of a missing little girl is speaking out - pleading with his estranged wife to return the child to him. The little girl has been missing for just over a week.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:48:32 GMT
Savannah's "March Against Monsanto" begins with a rally at noon Saturday at Forsyth Park. It will be followed with a march that is scheduled to get underway at 2:00pm.
Saturday more than 400 cities around the globe-- including savannah-- will host marches against the world's leading producer of genetically engineered seeds.
Saturday, May 25 2013 8:02 PM EDT2013-05-26 00:02:41 GMT
Memorial Day weekend offers some of our soldiers in the area the opportunity to unwind. To make sure nothing gets out of hand a new initiative has soldiers looking out for one another. Fort Stewart soldiers
Memorial Day weekend offers some of our soldiers in the area the opportunity to unwind. To make sure nothing gets out of hand a new initiative has soldiers looking out for one another.
Friday, May 24 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:05:44 GMT
A star high school football player set to graduate a few weeks from now drowned off the North Carolina coast Thursday night.North Topsail Police tell WNCT that Southwest Onslow High School quarterback
Southwest Onslow High School quarterback Shak Pershey went missing while swimming with some friends.