VALDOSTA, Ga. – Former Police Chief Alan Rowe resigned from Valdosta State University’s Department of Public Safety on October 9 following an investigation that lasted several months.
Rowe had been on leave since July 2 as the school was conducting its inquiry, reports WALB.
The investigation was prompted by an April 2024 hotline complaint alleging human resources, discrimination, and workplace concerns, reports WCTV. The former chief was accused of consuming alcohol at a Valdosta State alumni tailgate event in the fall of 2023. He then allegedly used his patrol vehicle, with its lights and sirens activated, to escort the football team. After the event, Rowe reported his vehicle stolen.
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According to a report on the investigation done by a third party, “The complaint indicated that the officer reported the smell of alcohol on the Chief but was ordered to leave the scene and not discuss the incident.”
It was also alleged that an officer’s body camera video of the incident was deleted, which is possibly a violation of Georgia law.
Investigation Found Chief Violated Valdosta State Public Safety Department’s Policies
Although the investigation couldn’t prove that Rowe had deleted evidence, it did find that the department’s policy on possession and use of alcohol had been violated.
A total of 14 allegations were cited in the report, including unethical or illegal behavior, a toxic work environment, verbal abuse, discrimination, and high department employee turnover. The report also found that Rowe engaged in discriminatory behavior. WALB reports that several officers said the former chief used derogatory racial language.
Additionally, one officer said that about 20 officers have left Valdosta State’s department of public safety because of Rowe.
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With Rowe’s departure from Valdosta State, Chief Bryant Leverett will continue in his role as interim director of public safety, the school said in a statement.
