Detroit's Police internal affairs investigators are looking into allegations that some women officers in the Palmer Park Precinct have been moonlighting as strippers.
A Detroit police department spokesman said a probe is under way to determine if the charges are true or "just a slur or slam" at police. A second Deputy Chief Paula Bridges, however, called the reports "rumors."
"There are no facts to even substantiate or corroborate," she said. "No names, no locations, no names of owners of bars. It's almost as if somebody got the upper hand [at] sullying the reputation of any of the 10 women who have been working out of that precinct."
Palmer Park Precinct Commander Cara Best talked to the women in her command about "their ethical obligation to hold their badges in highest esteem," which includes not moonlighting as strippers, Bridges said.
The internal investigation stems from reports that Inspector Richard Shelby, head of the internal affairs department, received stating at least two women officers had been stripping at clubs and parties, the Detroit Free Press said last week.
If the claims are true, the officers could be charged with conduct unbecoming an officer. A police discipline board would establish punishment, Bridges said.
Mayor Dennis Archer's press secretary, said the mayor's office is unaware of any investigation or allegations, "and just because we read it in the newspaper doesn't make it true," he said.
"We have full confidence in the chief of police and the police command structure and, for that matter, all of our police officers that they will act appropriately as police officers," the spokesman said.
