If you have not yet been appalled by stories of corruption in DeKalb County government, it would be worth your time to read just the findings in the report of the special purpose grand jury, convened in 2012 to look into how the county does business.
The jury, in its 2013 report, found criminal investigations were warranted for at least a dozen people, most of whom were county officials until recently. Grounds for investigations included bribery, bid-rigging, obstructing criminal investigations, perjury, theft, interference with government operations and plain old graft. The findings may be shocking, but the full report portrays a county government deep in the throes of a culture of corruption.
DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis awaits trial on criminal corruption charges. The district attorney’s office is conducting its own investigation into corruption, based on the grand jury findings and recommendations. Federal authorities are looking into allegations of widespread misuse of county-issued P-cards and other illegal acts.
Citizens action groups, such as Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter and DeKalb Citizens for Good Government, demand changes.
DeKalb Citizens supports the establishment of an anti-corruption unit under Public Safety Director Cedric Alexander. This unit would have investigative responsibilities of any alleged illegal acts on the part of any county employee or elected official.
Why establish an anti-corruption unit within the DeKalb police department?
The DA’s traditional role in fighting corruption is well noted, but it’s also worth noting that this is an elected office, never far from politics. The police department is more removed from political needs. Further, an anti-corruption unit within the department would be an additional corruption-fighting effort. Such units exist in police departments in large U.S. cities, though they’re not exactly common.
Alexander has promised in no uncertain terms that any investigation can and will be taken to logical ends, with the assistance of the GBI and FBI, if necessary. That is strong stuff.
In the conclusion of its report, the special purpose grand jury states clearly the county government is deeply troubled, “providing too many opportunities for fraudulent influences” and fostering “a culture that is overly politicized and in which inappropriate business relationships are created.” It further asserts that “inept policies and procedures and an attitude of non-compliance” comprise “a strong thread throughout our investigation.”
Many DeKalb citizens support establishing a well-organized, steadfast, independent, anti-corruption unit within the police department. It is time to give this a try. It is time for interim CEO Lee May and the DeKalb Board of Commissioners to bring this into being.
Aja Marie Pascale is director of DeKalb Citizens for Good Government.
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