GREENSBORO - The city's attorney said Wednesday nothing short of a court order will force her to release a report detailing misconduct in the police department .
Many of Greensboro's elected officials said even they haven't seen the results of the $70,000 investigation.
The report came out of an ongoing investigation of the department and former police Chief David Wray. He resigned Monday.
According to a five-page statement City Manager Mitchell Johnson released Tuesday night, investigators said Wray misled Greensboro leaders when he covered up the actions of a "secret police" unit that targeted black officers for internal investigation.
Johnson's summary also notes a "black book," which contained photos of at least 19 African American officers and was used as a police lineup.
Greensboro attorney Linda Miles said through a spokeswoman that the city would only issue the report - even a version with confidential personnel matters erased - if forced by a court.
Miles declined in person to answer further questions.
Just an hour earlier, acting police Chief Tim Bellamy left Miles' office carrying the "black book" - a hard-backed, three-ringed black binder.
It was unclear where Bellamy took the book or where it will be kept.
Johnson declined to answer questions Wednesday about the report.
He also would not say whether the circumstances of Wray's departure would affect his pension or retirement benefits.
The city's top leader, Mayor Keith Holliday, didn't return telephone calls Wednesday seeking comment about the matter.
One council member said she wants to review the results of the investigation.
Councilwoman Sandra Anderson said she asked "point blank" for the report Tuesday, but was told it mostly contained documents and exhibits. She said she wants the city to be "as transparent as possible."
Anderson also said she was "seriously surprised at the extent" of the misconduct within the police department.
"I think it's a terrible abuse of power," she said. "I think its really sad that people in responsible positions of authority would make such poor decisions and be dishonest and deliberately hurt people."
Council members Yvonne Johnson and Sandy Carmany said they haven't seen the report either.
But Councilman Tom Phillips said he has neither seen the report nor felt the need to ask for it. He said he trusts Mitchell Johnson's summary of the report and has no doubt he and Bellamy will take appropriate action.
Council members Mike Barber, Florence Gatten, T. Dianne Bellamy-Small and Goldie Wells also didn't return telephone calls.
Contact Margaret Moffett Banks at 373-7031 or mbanks@news-record.com
Correction: An article in Thursday's News & Record stating that an investigative report detailing misconduct in the Greensboro Police Department would be released only by court order was incomplete. The City Council also has the authority to order the report's release.
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