Columbus residents say cops tell them to move if crime gets too bad

COLUMBUS (AP) — Residents of one Ohio city are complaining that police officers are telling them if they’re fed up with crime in their neighborhoods they should move out.

At least two Columbus city council members have heard the complaint.

An aide to Councilwoman Charleta Tavares says she has received more than 20 calls. Councilman Andrew Ginther says if police are making the comments, they’re neither acceptable nor appropriate, though he says he believes most officers want to be helpful.

A police spokesman says the department addresses the complaints when it’s given the name of an officer.

A police union official says he understands if officers are frustrated with crime. Fraternal Order of Police President Jim Gilbert says: “It’s like the OK Corral out there.”