Civilian Police Review Board Sustains Misconduct Finding Over Discarded Cannabis

The Columbus Civilian Police Review Board voted unanimously on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to sustain a misconduct violation against a Columbus Division of Police officer who admitted confiscating dispensary-purchased cannabis products and throwing them into the trash during Meeting #63.

The board's vote in case 2026-0184B adopted findings and recommendations advanced by Civilian Police Review Board Committee 2 in its committee report. The committee reviewed the citizen complaint on Sept. 16 and recommended sustaining the misconduct violation after an investigation concluded the officer breached departmental property room protocols by discarding the items.

The complaint stemmed from a March 2026 traffic stop near a suspected drug house, during which the officer stopped a vehicle and confiscated dispensary-purchased marijuana and gummies from the driver. According to oversight records, the officer admitted to throwing the complainant's property into the trash rather than cataloging and securing the items in the Columbus Division of Police property room.

During the Wednesday meeting, a board member raised questions regarding officer candor, noting the officer told the motorist that nothing had been found despite confiscating the cannabis products from the vehicle.

In response, Columbus Inspector General Jacqueline Hendricks asked that board members submit detailed questions in writing prior to public meetings. Hendricks said advance written submissions allow investigators sufficient time to review case files, audio records, and body-worn camera recordings before addressing specific officer statements.

The Civilian Police Review Board provides independent civilian oversight of the Columbus Division of Police, reviewing citizen complaints and investigative findings compiled by the Department of the Inspector General.

The Columbus Civilian Police Review Board voted unanimously on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to sustain a misconduct violation against a Columbus Division of Police officer who admitted confiscating dispensary-purchased cannabis products and throwing them into the trash during Meeting #63.

The board's vote in case 2026-0184B adopted findings and recommendations advanced by Civilian Police Review Board Committee 2 in its committee report. The committee reviewed the citizen complaint on Sept. 16 and recommended sustaining the misconduct violation after an investigation concluded the officer breached departmental property room protocols by discarding the items.

The complaint stemmed from a March 2026 traffic stop near a suspected drug house, during which the officer stopped a vehicle and confiscated dispensary-purchased marijuana and gummies from the driver. According to oversight records, the officer admitted to throwing the complainant's property into the trash rather than cataloging and securing the items in the Columbus Division of Police property room.

During the Wednesday meeting, a board member raised questions regarding officer candor, noting the officer told the motorist that nothing had been found despite confiscating the cannabis products from the vehicle.

In response, Columbus Inspector General Jacqueline Hendricks asked that board members submit detailed questions in writing prior to public meetings. Hendricks said advance written submissions allow investigators sufficient time to review case files, audio records, and body-worn camera recordings before addressing specific officer statements.

The Civilian Police Review Board provides independent civilian oversight of the Columbus Division of Police, reviewing citizen complaints and investigative findings compiled by the Department of the Inspector General.