Civilian Police Review Board Sustains Violation Against Columbus Officer for Displaying Badge at Polling Site

The Columbus Civilian Police Review Board voted unanimously on Oct. 7, 2026, to sustain a departmental policy violation against an off-duty Columbus Division of Police officer who displayed a badge at a Whitehall polling location during the June 23, 2026 special recall election.

The decision during the board's Meeting #63 adopted recommendations from its Committee 1, which reviewed Department of the Inspector General case 2026-0613 during a Sept. 25, 2026 meeting held via WebEx.

The disciplinary matter originated from a citizen complaint filed on June 24, 2026, alleging that the off-duty officer was displaying a police badge and canvassing voters to influence the Whitehall election outcome.

An investigation conducted by the Columbus Department of the Inspector General found no evidence that the officer intentionally canvassed or attempted to influence the outcome of the election. However, investigators determined that the officer breached departmental standards governing political activity.

Columbus Division of Police regulations strictly require off-duty personnel engaging in political activity to conceal their badges and avoid displaying any insignia identifying them with the division.

Following the Inspector General's report, Committee 1 agreed that the officer failed to conceal the badge as required by policy. The full review board affirmed that finding without dissent on Oct. 7, concluding the administrative review of the complaint.

The Columbus Civilian Police Review Board voted unanimously on Oct. 7, 2026, to sustain a departmental policy violation against an off-duty Columbus Division of Police officer who displayed a badge at a Whitehall polling location during the June 23, 2026 special recall election.

The decision during the board's Meeting #63 adopted recommendations from its Committee 1, which reviewed Department of the Inspector General case 2026-0613 during a Sept. 25, 2026 meeting held via WebEx.

The disciplinary matter originated from a citizen complaint filed on June 24, 2026, alleging that the off-duty officer was displaying a police badge and canvassing voters to influence the Whitehall election outcome.

An investigation conducted by the Columbus Department of the Inspector General found no evidence that the officer intentionally canvassed or attempted to influence the outcome of the election. However, investigators determined that the officer breached departmental standards governing political activity.

Columbus Division of Police regulations strictly require off-duty personnel engaging in political activity to conceal their badges and avoid displaying any insignia identifying them with the division.

Following the Inspector General's report, Committee 1 agreed that the officer failed to conceal the badge as required by policy. The full review board affirmed that finding without dissent on Oct. 7, concluding the administrative review of the complaint.