Columbus Police Department officials are investigating reports of four CPD officers engaged in inappropriate behavior during a training visit to Vicksburg.
The officers, whose names were not released by the CPD, are accused of riding around the Vicksburg National Military Park in a Columbus police cruiser, playing loud music and flashing their lights and sirens at passersby, among other things.
A park visitor who witnessed the Tuesday afternoon incident said the foursome were riding around the park in a marked police cruiser, with two of the officers riding in the trunk, seated with the trunk open.
Reportedly, a female park ranger attempted to stop the police car, but the officers refused to pull over.
CPD Chief Joseph St. John earlier confirmed witnesses in the park reported loud music coming from the police cruiser and the officers using the vehicle”s flashing lights to deter park visitors from approaching it.
Additionally, he said, although no criminal charges were filed in the incident, firm action would be taken against the officers if they were found guilty of wrongdoing.
St. John ordered the four police officers immediately to return to Columbus, according to a press release issued Saturday by the CPD.
“Chief St. John and the officers of the Columbus Police Department offer a public apology for any embarrassment its officers caused,” read the release. “This incident is being investigated by the Columbus Police Department for possible disciplinary action.”
“When we come to the conclusion of this investigation, the conclusion will be made public,” St. John said Saturday.
The officers were in Vicksburg for a three-day field sobriety training course sponsored by Sobriety Trained Officers Representing Mississippi.
The Columbus City Council, in April, approved the training trip, including a vehicle and expenses, for Cpl. Spence Wallingford and officers Wade Beard, Heath Beard and Robert Walker.
S.T.O.R.M Chairman Michael D. Vick earlier said alcohol was not involved in the matter.
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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