Investigation finds allegations against CPD officers unfounded in multiple cases

The Columbus Civilian Police Review Board convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss several cases involving allegations against police officers, ultimately concluding that most claims were unfounded.

One significant case involved a complainant who alleged excessive force during a traffic stop, claiming an officer threatened him with a firearm and assaulted him. After reviewing body-worn camera footage and other evidence, the board agreed with the Department of Internal Affairs' recommendation to close the case as unfounded due to a lack of supporting evidence.

Another case involved allegations of domestic violence made by the wife of a Columbus Police Department officer. The complainant later withdrew her allegations and expressed satisfaction with the investigation, leading to a recommendation to close the case as unfounded, which the board accepted.

In a separate incident, a complainant alleged mistreatment by officers during a physical altercation with her daughter. The review found that officers had provided their names and badge numbers as requested and that the complainant's claims of being denied bathroom access were unfounded. The board agreed with the recommendation to close this case as well.

Lastly, the board reviewed a case stemming from two traffic stops involving the complainant, who was warned not to follow an officer after a passenger was arrested. The officer's communication about potential further action against the complainant was noted but did not lead to any findings of misconduct.

Overall, the board's findings reflect a commitment to thorough investigations, with a focus on ensuring accountability within the police department while addressing community concerns.