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.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-15 17:09:05 GMT
An undercover prostitution sting in the Jefferson Street area today led to the arrest of eight people, including several men dressed as women, police said.The incident also included one man who tried
An undercover prostitution sting in the Jefferson Street area today led to the arrest of eight people, including several men dressed as women, police said.The incident also included one man who tried
Friday, May 17 2013 1:24 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:24:52 GMT
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Investigators have made arrests in the shooting deaths of Wesley Franklin and Roderick Richardson. Brandon Mackey, 26, was taken into custody by SCMPD investigators
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Investigators have made arrests in the shooting deaths of Wesley Franklin and Roderick Richardson. Brandon Mackey, 26, was taken into custody by SCMPD investigators
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:36:22 GMT
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. - A woman has been charged in the deaths of her young children in Pickens County. According to the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, Suzanna Brown Simpson is charged in connection
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. - A woman has been charged in the deaths of her young children in Pickens County. According to the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, Suzanna Brown Simpson is charged in connection
Thursday, May 16 2013 3:54 PM EDT2013-05-16 19:54:06 GMT
TRANSYLVANIA, NC - The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a four-year-old child. According to Transylvania County Sheriff David Mahoney, deputies and first responders
TRANSYLVANIA, NC - The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a four-year-old child. According to Transylvania County Sheriff David Mahoney, deputies and first responders