The Columbus Division of Police says an investigation into comments made by Officer Susan Purtee is continuing. Purtee and her sister were critical of blacks, Jews, Cubans and Immigrants in videos posted online. Thursday the president of the Columbus Urban League spoke out on the officer's comments.
Columbus Urban League President Eddie Herrell, Jr., categorized his organization's response to Susan Purtee's comments this way:
"This institution is truly antagonized, angry, agitated and appalled by the remarks that have been widely viewed on You Tube by Columbus Police Officer Susan Purtee," Herrell said.
On Tuesday the division of police took the unusual step of calling a press conference about the matter. Thursday afternoon police spokesman Rich Weiner had little else to add, because he says, the investigation is on-going.
"The investigation has started and other than that, pending the outcome, we will release something then," Weiner said.
"Is Officer Purtee back on the job?"
"She is currently in a non-enforcement position."
"But she's back in Columbus working for the police department?"
"Yes," Weiner said.
Urban League president Herrell urged a room full of black elected and professional leaders to make sure local government conducts a thorough investigation.
"It is the leadership in this room that will insure that this will not get swept under the rug. It is the leadership in this room that will not allow this to be Hurricane Katrina where two years later we are still dealing with the effects of the non-response of our government. It is the people in this room who will insure that Officer Purtee will have no stance and no right to put on the shield of the city of Columbus and operate on our behalf of taxpaying citizens."
"While some in the audience wanted to know why the videos had been posted on You Tube, the Urban League's Herrell had a different take.
"I'm glad this happened because it exposes a person that does not deserve to be on the streets with a shield. And to have the audacity to put it on the World Wide Web tells you what her views were. There was no shame, there was no remorse, and as far as I am concerned there has not been an apology," Herrell said.
The division of police says the investigation could take as long as 90 days.