As a result of an ongoing Internal Affairs investigation, four members of the Metropolitan Police Department were placed on non-contact duty and their police powers were revoked on December 24,  2008, as a result of alleged misconduct involving the Toys for Tots initiative.

“Anytime we are involved in programs that have potential for abuse, we ask for the assistance of our Internal Affairs to maintain the integrity of our department and our members,” said Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier.   “In this case I am sad to say that monitoring has uncovered some questionable behavior of a few of our members. The potential for this to tarnish the hard work and dedication of the officers who have worked so hard to give back to our community during this holiday season is disheartening.”

Chief Lanier, although disturbed by the allegations, credited the department for its swift action in investigating this matter.  Chief Lanier vowed that, “Any member of the department found to have taken toys that were intended for our city’s youth will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."