news-record.com

GREENSBORO - A confidential report critical of the city's ex-police chief has cost more than $106,000 to date, records show, and the tab is expected to climb even higher.

The city hired Raleigh-based Risk Management Associates in November to help with the internal investigation of former Chief David Wray and his use of the now-defunct Special Intelligence Section.

Money for the RMA report comes from the general fund and, a city spokeswoman said, does not affect any municipal services.

The report, obtained this month by the News & Record, concluded that Wray had "crippled" the force when he gave black officers stiffer punishment than white counterparts in similar situations and by intimidating white captains who opposed some of his decisions.

It also detailed efforts by Wray, his deputy chief and a Special Intelligence detective to find evidence of misconduct against a black lieutenant who had already been cleared by previous criminal and Internal Affairs probes.

Expenses as of Feb. 28 covered interviews, transcription services and reviews of internal police documents.

Consultants used lie detector tests on some police administrators, city leaders have acknowledged, but personnel privacy laws allow the city to withhold names of officers required to undergo the tests. The consultants have billed the city at the end of every month since November. Services rendered in March have not been itemized and submitted for reimbursement.

"This may be a very long-term relationship," city spokeswoman Nancy Lindemeyer said Thursday.

Wray resigned Jan. 9 after City Manager Mitchell Johnson asked him for a response to the report's findings. Johnson had changed the locks to Wray's office the Friday before.

Tim Bellamy was named interim chief the same day. One of his first acts was to disband and reorganize the Special Intelligence Section, which is now called the Criminal Intelligence Squad.

Contact Eric J.S. Townsend at 373-7008 or etownsend@news-record.com