Police in a Georgia town were left stunned after all but one officer was asked to hand over their guns and badges with immediate effect and little explanation.
The Warm Springs officers were told they were suspended last month, while their boss Emilio Quintana was fired.
A Facebook post announcing the decision only fueled the mystery and raised more questions.
“The decision to terminate Chief Quintana and suspend the police force was made after careful consideration of recent events and emerging concerns regarding conduct and operations within the department,” the post reads.
The force is now under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, but officials have been tight-lipped about what their approach is.
Police in a Georgia city were left stunned after all but one of them were asked to surrender their guns and badges effective immediately with little explanation. Pictured: Fired Police Chief Emilio Quintana
However, the disciplinary action stems from an anonymous tip about police, including former Chief Quintana, using their patrol vehicles for off-duty work. Constitution of the Atlanta Journal reported.
The sender, who signed as a “concerned citizen,” also claimed that many Warm Springs officers only took the job to secure more lucrative off-duty work.
“Most of the officers who work at Warm Springs are there for no reason and were hired so they can perform off-duty police duties,” the email said. “This is something that happens every day and is allowed to happen by the Chief.”
Warm Springs has a population of 450, which equates to roughly one police officer for every 33 residents, compared to the state average of 164 officers per capita.
Many police officers work part-time or only pick up a couple of shifts here and there, allowing them to retain their power to make arrests.
Before the controversy, Warm Springs was best known as the home of President Roosevelt prior to his inauguration, and the former leader’s building was later nicknamed the “Little White House.”
Crime is also lower in the city than the Georgia average and below rates seen nationwide, according to data from USA.com, which ranked it 87th out of 336 cities in the state.
In a letter to Quintana, Mayor Robyn Pynenburg outlined the allegations against him and within a week Quintana was fired.
Its staff were placed on leave, although it was said to be not a disciplinary measure.
Warm Springs Mayor Robyn Pynenburg told the force that most officers were being suspended following allegations that police cars were being used for off-duty work.
The only employee of the 13 serving at Warm Springs currently remaining in her position is recently hired Aisha Al-Khalifa, who has been appointed interim chief.
Of the 13 employees serving the city, the only one still in office is Aisha Al-Khalifa, who was hired as a sergeant in November and is now acting chief.
However, the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office has suggested that the suspensions have not had much of an impact on its daily operations, saying deputies in Warm Springs rarely appeared to be working when calls came in.
In another strange twist, the anonymous email was sent just two days after a former Warm Springs officer filed a lawsuit against Quintana and the city of Warm Springs alleging wrongful termination.
Sean Thompson claimed he was fired after trying to voice his concerns about problems he was having with another staff member.
Thompson alleged discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment in the lawsuit.
He said 11 live He was fired on May 20 for alleged insubordination after speaking out.
“You know, I feel like I’ve been completely ignored,” Thompson said, adding that her lawsuit was filed on June 10.
“I want my name cleared. I want my record cleared,” he explained.
Mayor Pynenburg with Warm Springs officials, including now-fired Chief Quintana
The decision also came after another former police officer filed a lawsuit against the city alleging wrongful termination.
Former officer Sean Thompson claimed he was unfairly fired after raising concerns about a colleague
“I didn’t think it would go this far, but like I said, some things were discovered and other things were discovered. I guess it was meant to be.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating the force at its own request. The GBI case will examine all allegations of criminality.
Quintana is also under investigation by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, though the agency admits it is not sure exactly what he is being asked to examine.
“At this point, we’re still not entirely clear on a lot of things,” said CEO Mike Ayers.
Locals were equally baffled and took to social media to share their concerns.
“What the hell is going on in Warm Springs?” one woman wrote. “I just saw on the news in Atlanta that the entire police force and the chief were fired or suspended. Wow, it must be something bad.”
“Who knows what’s going on,” another person added. “They fired the entire police force, the damn police are in trouble, what the hell? This is crazy.”
“This is crazy,” one person agreed.
“Our primary commitment is the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mayor Pynenburg.
“We take these matters very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation to address any issues within our police department. We ask for the community’s patience and support as we work toward transparency and justice.
‘The city is committed to conducting a fair and thorough investigation and will keep the public informed of any significant developments.’
Mystery: City fires police chief, suspends entire force except one cop
(tags to translate)dailymail