Oak Island PD sexual harassment accusations

Are there really 5 ladies total that filed complaints? If so how many women work in the police station?

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), it is illegal to discriminate in any aspect of employment, including: hiring and firing; compensation, assignment, or classification of employees; transfer, promotion, layoff, or recall; job advertisements; recruitment; testing; use of company facilities; training and apprenticeship programs; fringe benefits; pay, retirement plans, and disability leave; or other terms and conditions of employment. Discriminatory practices under these laws also include:harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age; Read the next paragraph this is interesting... retaliation against an individual for filing a charge of discrimination, participating in an investigation, or opposing discriminatory practices; employment decisions based on stereotypes or assumptions about the abilities, traits, or performance of individuals of a certain sex, race, age, religion, or ethnic group, or individuals with disabilities; and denying employment opportunities to a person because of marriage to, or association with, an individual of a particular race, religion, national origin, or an individual with a disability. Title VII also prohibits discrimination because of participation in schools or places of worship associated with a particular racial, ethnic, or religious group. Employers are required to post notices to all employees advising them of their rights under the laws EEOC enforces and their right to be free from retaliation. Such notices must be accessible, as needed, to persons with visual or other disabilities that affect reading. Note: Many states and municipalities also have enacted protections against discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, status as a parent, marital status and political affiliation. For information, please contact the EEOC District Office nearest you. This can be found at www.eeoc.com

It's apparent that another agency should get involved. If the females are asking for someone else to investigate these claims something must not be right on the police department side. Also I noticed that the police have two different stories that they are telling the press. Something smells kinda fishy. One statement they made was the matter was investigated and it was handled and the next one they reported that no complaints were filed. I think the police department needs to get their story straight and I think another agency should investigate these allegations.And one more thing I heard that these women don't have attorneys, one word of advice to them. Get an attorney.

I do not understand why it is so hard for some people to believe that some men harass attractive women at work. THEY DO ! I worked at a huge business for several years. After getting to know everyone the sexual comments, jokes, smart remarks etc. began, they went on for 3 years. Most of them were just joking and I could tell who they were but the one that got more offensive basically asking for sex or for a peek went too far. I reported him to my boss and he was removed from the place. This man was married w/ kids and asked me for sex straight out, this was after months of stares, grunts when I walked by, asking for hugs etc. Guy weighed 400 pounds and frankly grossed me out. I was single at the time and got flirted with daily. Flirting is one thing and not offensive to me, but asking me for sex when i have not shown any interest is down right rude and illegal. I found that any man I was nice to thought I wanted to have sex with him, why are some men that ignorant?? Just because I was "nice" and talked to them like humans they thought that. It happens to attractive women and men everyday. I believe these women, I have been there.

Is it true that the officers made a complaint on a supervisor, and his supervisor did nothing? I am hearing two storie.....

I think everyone should stop passing blame and and using this blog as a forum for their own personal agendas. This is a very serious situation and regardless of the outcome, many lives are affected. Furthermore, what does any of this have to do with Tom Johnson? The sad truth is that everyone (except for the few that had something to gain by him staying there) was ecstatic when he left and were even happier that Chief Eddinger was taking over. I'm sure this will be fully investigated and proper action will be taken by the police department, if needed.

There are always several different sides to every story. This day in time you have to be very careful with what you say and how you say it. Someone may take it very different than the way it is meant. It sounds to me that it has been going on and on. True or not it needs to be looked into. This is a very serious thing.

When 3 people launch the same complaint, isn't it true? That is what the now adminstration said of former chief Tom Johnson. If one complains usually it's an unhappy employee. When you get 3 or more there is a problem. It looks like there is a problem.

Please don't be so quick to judge unless you know all the facts. Oak Island has a great department and there are always some unhappy employees such as these women who are complaining about absolutely nothing.

OIPD is in need of an overhaul. When Chief Johnson resigned and Eddinger took over, everyone thought that was the resolution. To be quite honest, I think folks now see Chief Johnson probably was never the major problem. What is the problem, is the staff. OIPD has some of the most arrogant staff members I have ever seen. The behavior demonstrated by some of the Sgt's and other officers is unbelievable. The Town Council needs to CLEAN out OIPD. Start at the top and go down the list. Many of the trouble makers during Chief Johnsons tenure are still there and up to the same ole same ole.

This is just really sad. I am so sorry for you employee's and I hope everything works out for you. I am really disappointed in our police department and its council. I hope that this will be investigated to its fullest and that it will not continue to be ignored.

The town of Oak Island needs to ask for the resignation of the Police chief and about 1/2 of his staff. This is disgusting when in the year 2008 this kind of behavior is still out there. CHIEF, DO THE RIGHT THING AND RESIGN, RIGHT AFTER YOU FIRE THOSE INVOLVED IN THIS BEHAVIOR.