MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Memphis officials are investigating whether some police and firefighters' sense of fashion is inappropriate.
The city's police and fire departments both launched reviews Tuesday after allegations that employees were part of a fashion show that included stripping and simulated sex.
The event, billed ``Battle of the Shields: Memphis Firefighter and Police Fashion Gala,'' was Sunday.
The investigations were announced the same day The Commercial Appeal newspaper published a column by Wendi C. Thomas about the show.
Thomas wrote that she saw nearly nude men on stage, with private parts covered in soapsuds. At least two women, she wrote, were ``hoisted in the air, their legs around men's waists.''
Some swung badges, wore department pants and held nightsticks.
A show organizer told Thomas that all the models were from the police and fire departments.
``We've got allegations that were made and we will see if it's true,'' Memphis Police spokesman Inspector Jim Tusant said. ``What one person saw may not be what someone else saw.''
Chief Alvin Benson, deputy director of the Memphis Fire Department, said he was surprised and disappointed by the allegations.
Memphis police must have permission to wear their uniforms outside work, while firefighters can't wear their uniforms away from work at all.
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