BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Rumors of
corruption and cover-ups within the Battle Creek Police Department were not on
the agenda of Tuesday night’s Battle Creek City Commission meeting.
After the meeting, FOX 17 asked
city leaders if there was anything they can do to affect the public perception
and clear up some of the mystery surrounding claims of corruption.
The meeting was held just hours
after Battle Creek police officer Jennifer Appl was charged in connection with
driving to work drunk and carrying a police issued gun while intoxicated.
We asked Battle Creek Mayor
Susan Baldwin if she was aware if the rumors were affecting the morale of the
department.
Mayor Baldwin said, “I think
any time you have questions about your work, whether you work for the city,
Kellogg, or any company, it’s challenging when you have some folks that are not
happy with what they are seeing you do.”
Chief Jackie Hampton admits
he’s heard complaints from within the department.
The allegations of misconduct
stem from a request by Commissioner David Walters and Commissioner Jeff
Domencio to the Michigan State Police and the Attorney General’s office to look
closely at the department.
Commissioner Andy Helmholdt
said, “I haven’t seen any proof of corruption in our police department.”
It was the lack of concrete
evidence that put an end to an FBI investigation of the department before it
ever started, according to City Manager Ken Tsuchiyama.
“There’s nothing to investigate
because there is nothing specifically identified,” he said. “That’s really the position we are in.”
City leaders admit talk of a
corrupt police force is damaging to public perception.
According to commissioners, the
rumors of corruption ramped up shortly after two off duty police officers were
involved in a drunk driving crash this summer.
The passenger in the crash was
officer Appl, the same officer charged Tuesday.
Last month, a police officer
was investigated by MSP over claims that she was stealing from other officers
and the acts were caught on video.
Commissioner Walters said, “I
think there is a perception right now that the commission does not support the
police force and I think that’s incorrect.”
At this point, without
specifics to go on, the commission said corruption allegations are not
currently investigated by anyone.
FOX 17 spoke with Commissioner
Domenico, who claims to have proof of police misconduct within the department.
He told us he has nothing to
say at this point, and he’s hoping to let the issue play out, assisting as he
is needed.