Demorest launches investigation into police department

By Brian Wellmeier

The city of Demorest moved to open a formal investigation into its police department at a special called meeting Friday, Feb. 6. The decision came after city council members convened for an executive session to discuss personnel and possible litigation.

Officials have not disclosed the nature of the investigation, though Demorest City Manager Mark Musslewhite said a request for inquiry into the matter was made by a staff member internally.

“Council was on consulted on the situation,” he said. “Council came out and made a motion to investigate the internal personnel matter. That’s kind of where we are.”

The investigation will be conducted by an independent third party, according to Musslewhite. A potential cost or timeline of when the investigation could conclude haven’t yet been determined.

“We have not gotten the scope of the service yet,” Musslewhite said. “That’s really going to be the next step…we’re still waiting to get that information.”

WCHM will provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.