Sources: Probe Into On-Duty Sex In Philadelphia Fire Department
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Sources tell CBS 3 allegations of sexual activity on-duty involving as many as a dozen male members of the Philadelphia Fire Department have been investigated by the Office of the Philadelphia Inspector General.
The sources reveal top Fire Department officials are now considering possible disciplinary action against some or all of the members, after receiving the Inspector General's final report.
Among the allegations under investigation, a female member found engaging in sexual activity with two male members inside a vehicle and, sources confirm, sexual activity among the female member and male members at several firehouses around the city.
While top city officials aren't commenting, sources say investigators from the Special Victims Unit were immediately alerted to the allegations months ago, but determined there were no grounds for filing criminal charges. The Inspector General then took over the investigation.
Sources say the investigation and decision on possible disciplinary action will be guided by a new, recently enacted Fire Department Discipline Code. The sources indicate new policies on firehouse fraternization and additional sensitivity training are expected to be announced soon.
The female member, who CBS 3 is not identifying, declined requests for comment. Sources say a final decision on what if any disciplinary action will be taken is expected in the next two weeks. Once the decision is made, more details are expected to be revealed about the investigation including, possibly, the names, ranks and assignments of those involved.