An internal investigation launched by the Columbia Police Department has determined no CPD officers were involved in a controversial police union fundraiser.
On June 29, an anonymous letter sent to local media outlets alleged that patrons of a Columbia Fraternal Order of Police fundraiser were taking Jell-O shots off waitresses’ bare breasts. The fundraiser took place June 11 at A.L. Gustin Golf Course and servers from Truman’s Bar & Grill worked the event. The vast majority of participants were not Columbia police officers.
Following this accusation, the department launched a full internal affairs investigation, led by Police Chief Ken Burton, as to what actually happened. The investigation focused on whether members of the police department were involved in the conduct the letter alleged.
The Internal Affairs Division interviewed 95 people who attended the fundraiser. Of those 95, 23 were members of the Columbia Police Department. At the conclusion of the interviews, it was determined that the letter was correct.
Although these events occurred, a CPD news release stated police officers in attendance were not involved in the incident. In addition to the statement that the officers were not involved, the release reiterated the importance of proper conduct in and out of uniform.
“Although our employees were determined to have not been involved, Chief Burton has used this incident to remind employees, especially commissioned officers, that even when ‘off-duty’ it is imperative that we conduct ourselves appropriately and recognize that as police officers we are held to a very high standard of conduct,” the release stated.
The Columbia Fraternal Order of Police also investigated the letter’s claims. A July news release stated the alleged misconduct took place at a remote location far from the club house.
“The investigation was conducted in response to an anonymous letter that was sent to media outlets that complained of servers exposing their breasts ‘throughout the tournament,” the order’s news release stated. “The unsigned letter overstated the situation.”
