Police suspended, police chief fired | GBI investigates

WARM SPRINGS, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting an investigation after the Warm Springs Police Department fired its police chief and suspended its entire department last week.

In a statement to 11Alive on Tuesday, the GBI confirmed it was investigating “allegations of criminal misconduct” after the department requested an investigation on June 24.

The department, which includes 13 officers, is currently under administrative suspension. The newly appointed interim police chief, Aisha Al-Khalifa, is the only person in the department currently active.

The town, which has a population of 450, said it had taken “decisive action” by “launching a comprehensive department-wide investigation.”

RELATED: A look at the letter sent to suspended Warm Springs police officers

City officials have not provided information about what is being investigated or how long the investigation will take. However, officials said the investigation “is aimed at ensuring the integrity and accountability of our police officers and restoring public confidence in the Warm Springs Police Department.”

Al-Khalifa will oversee Warm Springs Police Department operations, while the community will continue to receive critical police services from police departments in neighboring counties.

The GBI said the investigation is currently ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.

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