‘Police reform’ in Columbus does not seem to be working
The Columbus Division of Police has been under significant scrutiny in recent years. If this is necessary, where is it taking us?
Let’s review some of these efforts.
A few years ago, the Matrix Consulting Group was commissioned to study the division’s operations, etc.
Several recommendations were made – some of which had been in practice for a while. Is it axiomatic that if I hire a firm to review operations that I expect the firm to give me what I want? What I believe? Or will impartiality rule?
Late May of 2020 brought protests after the death of George Floyd.
Soon, CPD officers were looked upon as brutal, violent thugs.
These “peaceful protests” resulted in significant damage to the state Capitol, the Ohio Theatre and many businesses Downtown.
But officers were ultimately forbidden to employ tear gas, certain riot control munitions and personal protective gear.
One of my friends was struck in the head by a skateboard thrown from the third rank by a “peaceful protestor.”
He was spared serious injury, but ... Baker-hostetler was commissioned to investigate police wrongdoing resulting therefrom. A press conference was held and information shared on their findings.
No cases of severe misconduct were found. Sustained complaints were few and minor. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther looked very dismayed, not proud as he should have been.
No mention was made of the over 300 injuries sustained during the civil unrest suffered by officers.
Laser lights were used to temporarily blind them, bottles of frozen water were hurled, as were factorygrade fireworks.
PTSD cases followed.
A retired FBI agent and a special prosecutor then conducted further investigations. Three officers were criminally charged as a result of doing their duty during a “peaceful protest.”
Cases are pending.
Against this backdrop, cases of homicide and felonious assault soar to record highs. People in distressed neighborhoods often suffer the most.
The current crisis is in the Ohio State University area, where street robberies, carjackings, auto thefts and assaults occur with frequency.
What is the end state for police reform, reimagining, etc.?
Whatever is tried doesn’t seem to be working. I pray that our end state is clearly delineated, steps taken by the city administration, city council, the Fraternal Order of Police, community groups, etc., to reach stated reform – before our situation becomes untenable.
Retired Columbus police Sgt. Stephen Walter is a lifetime resident of Columbus and Grove City. He is also a United States Marine Corps Reserve retiree.