CPD Supervisors Question Racial Disparities in Disciplinary Action

According to the Street Committee rumblings from inside the Columbus Police Department are growing louder as supervisors raise serious concerns about racial disparities in how disciplinary actions are being handled — and who has the power to enforce them.

According to multiple sources, a white officer currently in training has been written up three times and recently accused of threatening a supervisor. Despite recommendations from three ranking officers — two lieutenants and a captain — that the trainee be suspended, a Deputy Chief allegedly blocked the disciplinary action, stating he needed to speak with the Chief before moving forward.

Supervisors, including both Black and white personnel, argue the officer's behavior warrants immediate suspension. "He hasn't learned his lesson," one supervisor reportedly said. "This isn't just about insubordination — it's about integrity and safety in the workplace."

The incident has led many to question whether there is a double standard in how officers are disciplined based on race. “If this had been a Black officer,” one source noted, “there wouldn’t be any discussion. He would’ve been suspended immediately.”

The situation escalated further when supervisors attempted to open an Office of Professional Standards investigation. That request was allegedly denied or redirected. Some say the department’s internal oversight mechanisms have been compromised, pointing to a pattern of cases where complaints are ignored, minimized or swept aside.

Adding to the tension is a recent arrest involving a 70-year-old African American woman who allowed an officer into her home. According to sources, the woman complied with the officer’s request, only to end up in handcuffs moments later. She has since experienced distress, and advocates are urging her not to visit the police station alone. Community leaders say the case demonstrates why complaints need to be filed directly with the Chief or Deputy Chiefs overseeing specific units — not through traditional internal channels, which are seen as unreliable.

With trust in internal processes eroding, local leaders are now urging community members and department personnel alike to file official complaints directly with upper leadership. "We have to make our voices heard," one advocate said. "We can't just whisper about injustice — we have to document it and demand accountability."

The calls for transparency come amid a broader push to restore confidence in public safety institutions. As one observer put it, “You can’t build trust with the public if you won’t even let your own supervisors do their job.”