A 70-page audit of the Fort Myers Police Department details a department in crisis.
The audit, prepared by the independent Freeh Group International Solutions, describes a department crippled by a loss of personnel in the last decade, and an understaffed police force that failed to develop "creative solutions to address emerging threats" like growing gang violence. In addition, the audit found allegations of favoritism and retaliation from within the department, leading to declining morale and a lack of qualified leadership.
Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., Tom Larned from Freeh Group joins the program to discuss the results of the audit the more than 30 recommendations the auditors provided with their assessment of the department.
We’ll also talk with investigative journalist Cody Dulaney with the Fort Myers News Press about his reporting on crime in Fort Myers and the police department.
A spokesperson from the Fort Myers Police Department was not available for today's show, but FMPD Chief Derrick Diggs joins Gulf Coast Live tomorrow for an in-depth look at the department and its efforts to improve relationships with the community.
