It’s been almost seven weeks since Joseph Daughtry took over as Columbus police chief, so it’s not unreasonable to assume that in many ways the former Natchez police chief is still transitioning into his new role.
In his brief tenure here, we’ve been impressed with the new chief’s energy and ideas for his department. Reporters have generally found him to be accessible and forthcoming when contacted to provide information about crimes that have occurred on his watch. He is often on the scene soon after CPD officers arrive.
We are growing concerned about transparency issues, though.
On Tuesday, city officials learned Daughtry had placed part-time CPD officer Louis Alexander on administrative leave pending an investigation into Alexander’s connection to a Jan. 19 shooting in Columbus, an incident first reported by WCBI on Feb. 7.
The station reported that an off-duty CPD officer was reportedly present at a 14th Avenue residence where gambling was allegedly taking place. A man was shot outside the residence and drove himself to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle for treatment. The off-duty officer left the scene and did not call 911 about the shooting.
Following protocol when it treats gunshot victims, the hospital informed CPD.
Reportedly, Daughtry initiated (and is leading) an investigation into the matter.
Most concerning in this incident are reports that it was 26 days before Daughtry informed City Hall about the investigation into Alexander and the disciplinary action against him.
Daughtry has not responded to this paper’s requests for information, including why details of the investigation and disciplinary actions were not conveyed to City Hall in a timely manner.
A public records request by WCBI in relation to the incident went unfilled by Columbus police department until the TV station filed a complaint with the Mississippi Ethics Commission.
Similarly, CPD failed to provide information in response to a FOIA request from The Dispatch concerning incident reports at a local business. The department only provided that data after a complaint was filed with MEC.
Individually, each of these could be excused as an oversight or mistake. Collectively, though, we fear they indicate an issue with transparency within the department.
CPD is not a silo within city government. As such, its leadership is accountable to City Hall and the city council, not to mention the public.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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