Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone: (336) 373-2421

Investigation Finds GPD Officer Followed Laws
Related to Disposal of Information

GREENSBORO, NC – (May 12, 2008) – The Greensboro Police Department has concluded its investigation into allegations that an officer disposed of boxes of files related to the Klan-Nazi shootings in 1979. The investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by the Police Department.

Police Chief Tim Bellamy said today that the investigation by the GPD’s Professional Standards Division found that five to 10 boxes of newspaper clippings had been disposed of in late 2001 or early 2002, during former Chief Robert White’s administration. The boxes contained newspaper clippings related to the Klan-Nazi shootings, as well as clippings related to other subversive groups. The boxes did not contain any Police files related to the shootings.

During the course of the internal inquiry, a box of the clippings was brought forward to the Professional Standards Division, and the contents were examined by the investigators and Chief Bellamy. The remaining box contained only newspaper clippings that addressed a variety of topics related to subversive groups, Bellamy said.

In late February, the Revs. Cardes Brown, Gregory Headen and Nelson Johnson said a police officer had come to them with concerns that 50 boxes of files related to the Klan-Nazi shootings had been destroyed at the direction of Lt. Craig McMinn.

However, the investigation showed that Lt. McMinn followed all the proper state and departmental procedures, Bellamy said.

State laws address the retention of public records and require that records in felony cases be kept for 20 years. Other types of records are required to be kept for shorter periods of time. Under State law, all files related to the Klan-Nazi shootings could have legally been destroyed in 1999.

In 2005, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission requested records related to the shootings, and the City provided 49 volumes of all related police records. The GPD continues to keep all of those files in a secured location, Bellamy said.

“We would like to thank the ministers for bringing this matter to our attention,” he said. “The Greensboro Police Department continually strives to be an organization of excellence, and we always welcome the input of the public to help us achieve that goal.”

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.