City manager reacts to FMPD chief’s investigation request to feds

FORT MYERS, Fla. Police Chief Derrick Diggs asked federal attorneys to investigate alleged claims of officer misconduct listed in an alarming audit of the police department, which was the report’s top recommendation.

The audit, which was released last month, detailed allegations of corruption, lack of training and drug planting by officers. Over 200 current and former department employees were interviewed for the audit, which was done at the request of City Manager Saeed Kazemi and completed by Freeh Group International Solutions Inc.

But when questioned why the U.S. Attorney’s Office was chosen to assist, Kazemi was unsure.

It’s the police chief’s decision,” he said. “It’s what he did and since I have no clue what those allegations are, I cannot even answer these questions.”

If the U.S. Attorney’s Office accepts Diggs’ request, the investigation would center on the alleged officer misconduct and a portion of the audit not available to the public.