CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Despite being told by the city's law director not to answer questions, a Circleville city council member is not only talking, but asking his own questions about the details of two investigations into chiefs at the police department.
“I’ve been advised not to speak to the media,” said Circleville city council member Zack Brooks as he sat in front of reporters talking about investigations into two police chiefs who have been placed on leave.
On March 11, the city's mayor placed then-police chief Shawn Baer on administrative leave as officials investigated allegations of alleged misconduct. Two weeks later, acting police chief Doug Davis was also placed on administrative leave due to an investigation into alleged employee misconduct.
For three days, Steve Wilkinson was Circleville's safety director. His first official day was the day after Baer was placed on leave. Three days later, he was fired.
“It was easier to get rid of me than face the police department,” explained Wilkinson about why he was fired.
Wilkinson spoke at the city council meeting explaining problems at the police department and his concerns that, even though the officers have certificates saying they passed firearms training, he questions the legitimacy of those qualifications.
“My biggest concern is I don't believe the rank and file in the city of Circleville are technically qualified to carry a firearm. Just because a box is checked on a piece of paper does not mean that you are qualified,” Wilkinson said.
OPOTA is reviewing the certificates.
Wilkinson says he has no problems with the officers, but his concerns are with the leaders of the department.
Mayor Michelle Blanton told 10TV there was previously a physical altercation between herself and acting Chief Davis.
Neither Wilkinson nor Brooks knew if Davis was placed on leave for that incident, but the city has hired a law firm to investigate both Baer and Davis.
“We're dealing with $50,000 worth of taxpayer dollars to investigate all this employee misconduct, I want to have the whole story,” Brooks said.
Brooks said despite putting in his own public records requests, he has been given very little information about what's really going on.
“How am I supposed to make that decision if I'm not privy to all the details of this evolving discussion?” Brooks asked.
There's no word on how long the investigation will take.
10TV reached out to Mayor Blanton for comment but did not hear back.