Former Melbourne Police head of special investigations unit investigated for misconduct

An internal affairs investigation into the former head of the special investigations unit at the Melbourne Police Department is revealing scathing details about alcohol consumption while on the job and other inappropriate behavior.

Sgt. Jeffrey VanGilder joined the Melbourne Police Department in 1989, but the 49-year-old resigned unexpectedly last month.

According to a newly-released, 317-page document, VanGilder is accused of drinking and driving while on duty, even charging a $140 bar tab to the city while undercover.

In the investigation, witnesses claim they saw VanGilder drinking alcohol in his assigned GMC Arcadia while parked behind the detective bureau.

The report even alleges that prior to prostitution stings, VanGilder would tell his officers to buy "alcohol for the female officers, so they would more easily talk about sex."

There were also complaints about VanGilder's work ethic.

His former detectives accused him of not allowing them to investigate repeated drug dealings in South Melbourne neighborhoods, instead assigning them to sit behind their desks and do paperwork, instead of work.

In a statement, Melbourne Police Department Chief Steve Mimbs said the allegations are disturbing and have the "potential to erode public trust."