The cost of recent missteps at the Asheville Police Department has topped $200,000. That’s taxpayers’ money.
The Mountain Xpress reports that Asheville City Council on Tuesday voted to settle a former officer’s sexual harassment lawsuit by paying her $48,000 and reimbursing her $4,100 in mediation costs. Council also voted Tuesday to spend $175,000 to perform an audit of the police department’s property room after it was discovered that evidence – including guns and drugs – was missing.
There are intangible costs, as well – namely the loss of public trust in the department.