COLUMBUS -- The most recent performance evaluation for Columbus Police Department Lieutenant Melissa McFadden in 2017 is blank. That's because she's currently the subject of an internal investigation.
In an interview from March 2017, after the investigation was opened, McFadden said she was taken aback by the accusations of creating a hostile work environment and violating employment laws.
"I'm just disappointed that this is going on," she said.
10TV obtained McFadden's second most recent evaluation from 2015, where she received "Meets Expectations" in the categories of problem-solving, interpersonal skills and judgment and discretion.
A previous evaluation from 2013 when she was a sergeant lists all three of those same categories as "Exceeds Expectations."
In the evaluation from 2006, while McFadden was an officer, the rater commented that McFadden, who was Melissa Weems at the time, her "interpersonal and teamwork skills have been a source of controversy during the past year" and mentioned how positive counseling had been provided on several occasions. It also states she has "difficulty accepting feedback and criticism from supervisors."
While a sergeant, McFadden was also called out multiple times for failing her duties with the Internal Affairs Bureau.
According to reports, on one instance, McFadden failed to conduct a thorough investigation. When told to follow up, the lieutenant in charge says she left the office while saying "Oh, he's out to get me!"
That same commanding officer also referred to a 2012 citizen's complaint that says McFadden failed to interview a key witness in a shooting case.
Because of these and similar other complaints, and because the IAB prides itself on preserving the integrity of the Division of Police, that commanding officer recommended a written warning for insubordination and for McFadden to be reassigned.
From 2004 to 2017, four complaints were filed against McFadden, both citizen and internal, ranging from rude or discourteous language or actions to a violation of police rules and orders.
Regarding the recent accusations of misconduct, McFadden said this in that same interview from March of 2017.
"I don't care if people like me or not because people are going to dislike you whether you do good or bad," she said.
10TV also obtained positive marks in McFadden's file, consisting of "Thank You" notes and compliments on behalf of the 20-plus year veteran.
One person who took part in the ride along program said: "If all the officers of the Columbus Police Department are as concerned with their community as Officer Weems, I really look forward to the opportunity of becoming an officer."
Another officer who went through training in 2001, said McFadden is "the epitome of excellence in customer relations."
Calls to McFadden's lawyer were not returned for comment, Tuesday. A final decision hearing regarding McFadden's employment has not yet been scheduled. Police Chief Kim Jacobs has recommended that McFadden be fired.
A statement given to 10TV last week by McFadden's legal team says:
“Lt. McFadden is a career public servant and decorated leader in the Columbus Division of Police. Lt. McFadden denies the allegations in the investigation that led to Chief Jacobs recommending her termination. Lt. McFadden is shocked that Chief Jacobs would have terminated her employment based on these allegations, while white officers were not terminated for far worse conduct including use of the n-word, and theft of time. Lt. McFadden looks forward to appealing any negative final decision on her employment, through arbitration and all available legal processes.”
