COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Columbus Police chief Kim Jacobs said the department is thoroughly reviewing all activity and personnel within the Vice Unit after 2 high profile incidents, 1 of which was deadly.
The review comes after the Stormy Daniels arrest in July at Siren’s Strip Club in Northeast Columbus. The incident made national headlines, raised questions about the Vice Unit’s actions that night. One day later, charges against Daniels were dropped.
Then in late August, a Vice Unit officer shot and killed a woman during an undercover prostitution sting operation. Police say Officer Andrew Mitchell shot 23-year-old Donna Castleberry after she allegedly stabbed Mitchell in the hand. 1-week later, police announced that Mitchell was already the subject of a criminal investigation that stemmed from a citizen complaint. Chief Jacobs said they want to hear from any citizens with concerns about officers.
“If there is some evidence that anybody has, I always encourage them to contact our internal affairs bureau. We do not tolerate bad cops here and if we’ve got the evidence to prove that they are, I think our record shows that we will address that bad behavior.
The Chief said the review will take place over the next 4 weeks and that only critical cases will be worked during the review period.