The Bakersfield Police Department announced an investigation late Monday afternoon in response to 17 News reporting on the alleged misconduct by a much-honored officer.

Chris Messick publicly accused the department of illegal activity, abusing its power and violating officer rights. We provided the department a list of specific allegations.

A spokesman for the BPD said Chief Lyle Martin is not interested right now in doing an on-camera interview with 17 News about the alleged misconduct. The department responded with a statement.

Martin said he ordered investigations of Messick’s allegations — both criminal and internal. Martin said the results of the criminal case will be submitted to the Kern County District Attorney for review.