Columbus Deputy Chief Returned to Full Duty
Deputy Chief Elrico Alli was reinstated following an internal affairs investigation into misconduct allegations.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Columbus Deputy Chief Elrico Alli returned to full duty status on October 9, 2026, following the conclusion of an internal affairs investigation. The police division issued Alli a formal letter of reprimand after sustaining an allegation of misconduct.
Why it matters
The investigation centered on whether Alli provided untruthful information to a superior regarding overtime pay and parking tickets. The inquiry was initiated by First Assistant Chief Lashanna Potts to address concerns about official department protocols.
The internal affairs probe sustained misconduct charges, resulting in a letter of reprimand for the deputy chief. Alli has served 22 years with the Columbus Division of Police.
The players
Elrico Alli
Elrico Alli is a deputy chief who has served 22 years with the Columbus Division of Police.
Lashanna Potts
Lashanna Potts serves as the First Assistant Chief of the Columbus Division of Police.
The details
First Assistant Chief Lashanna Potts initiated the formal complaint after allegations surfaced that Alli was untruthful about overtime approval for a subordinate. During the investigation, Alli was removed from his leadership post and assigned to desk duty.
Timeline
The Traffic Operations Section exceeded its overtime budget by 200% during 2025.
Elrico Alli has served as deputy chief since 2023.
The alleged incident involving untruthful statements occurred earlier this year.
Alli returned to full duty status on October 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This case aligns with the Columbus Division of Police internal affairs disciplinary policy regarding the handling of senior officer misconduct. The division continues to evaluate administrative oversight following scrutiny of overtime expenditures in its specialized sections.
Residents may see a return to regular oversight in the Traffic Operations Section following the administrative disciplinary process. The department continues to monitor overtime and vehicle usage protocols to ensure adherence to fiscal standards.
The takeaway
Accountability protocols within the police department are designed to maintain integrity during investigations into leadership conduct. This case underscores the ongoing administrative focus on fiscal management within city public safety divisions.
Further reading
For more information on departmental oversight, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSYX.
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