Former Gang Strike Force officers under investigation remain at work

Seven Minneapolis police officiers are on the job today, despite being the subject of federal and internal investigations.

The officers all served on the Metro Gang Strike Force and the investigation stems from their actions with that organization. The names of the officers are not public, but have been released to Police Chief Tim Dolan.

In a statement, the chief said the department is 'extremely disappointed at the scope and serious nature of the allegations.' But police officials declined to provide details about the misconduct or how serious it might be.

The Metro Gang Strike Force was dissolved earlier this year after state auditors criticized the unit for mishandling thousands of dollars in confiscated cash and property. An independent probe alleged that 10 to 12 officers engaged in various acts of misconduct including taking seized property for their own personal use.

Police officials said the seven Minneapolis officers named in the probe make up a small number of Minneapolis cops who've served on the task force since its creation in 1997.

The turmoil over the task force has also led to a whistleblower lawsuit filed earlier this week by a Minneapolis police officer. Sgt. Kelly O'Rourke said he was transferred off the unit in 2007 after he told superiors about concerns over the mishandling of evidence.