WARM SPRINGS, Ga. — On Wednesday, a Meriwether County city announced it had fired its police chief and suspended its entire police force with the exception of one officer.
On Friday, 11Alive obtained a letter from a source that said it was sent out to Warm Springs Police officers who were suspended due to an ongoing department-wide investigation.
The entire department, which includes 13 officers, is on administrative suspension -- with the exception of the now-fired police chief and the one remaining officer, who has since been promoted to interim. Newly-appointed Interim Police Chief Aisha Al-Khalifa is the only person in the department who is active at this time.
What the letter to Warm Springs officers says
The letter first details that the officers were not suspended due to any disciplinary reason and that it is "not an indication of any presumption of guilt or misconduct on your part." It says that if a violation of policy has been determined through the investigation, then the officer could be disciplined or fired.
Suspended officers now must do the following:
1. Turn in their badge, gun and department IDs right away.
2. Officers are not allowed to perform any duties as a police officer or represent themselves as a member of the Warm Springs Police Department in any capacity throughout the investigation.
3. Officers must not interfere with the investigation process.
4. Officers must be available for interviews and communication related to the investigation.
5. All details of the suspension and ongoing investigation are confidential and they are not allowed to discuss the investigation with anybody outside of the department.
The letter also explains that full-time employees will continue to receive their salary and benefits during the suspension. However, part-time employees at the department will be suspended without pay.
"We understand that this situation may cause concern and stress, and we assure you that this action is being taken to maintain the integrity of the investigation and the trust of the community we serve," the letter reads.
The City of Warm Springs, located in Meriwether County about an hour south of Atlanta and has a population of 450 people.
11Alive is working to learn more about what led to the termination of the police chief and suspension of the police force.