New Albany police officer alleges criminal conduct, corruption and discrimination within ranks

NEW ALBANY, IN (WAVE) - A New Albany police officer is accusing her superiors of corruption, discrimination and criminal conduct within the ranks.

Patrol Officer Laura Schook made the accusations during a police merit commission meeting Thursday.

Schook said she initially informed the merit commission in March of "serious criminal conduct by members of this department, an alleged corrupt police administration and facilitation of a discriminatory and hostile work environment."

Officer Schook accused the department of allowing the alleged offenders to investigate themselves.

Schook requested the commission ask Indiana State Police to take over the investigation so it can be conducted in an "uncorrupt, unbiased manner."

New Albany Police Chief Sherri Knight said, "I'm not even sure exactly what Officer Schook is talking about so I'll look into it and prepare something and get it out to you."

However, three hours after the merit commission Chief Knight released the following statement:

"The New Albany Police Department absolutely denies any allegations of misconduct. The New Albany Police Department has operated and will continue to operate in an efficient and ethical manner. The complaints of Officer Schook were fully investigated and resolved in 2008 and 2010 when the original complaints were filed. The Department welcomes the review by the New Albany Police Merit Commission."

Schook denied an on camera interview and referred additional questions to her attorney. She said she'll mark 19 years with New Albany Police on Friday, May 9.

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