Jackson K-9 police officer resigns

Jackson's K-9 police officer, Sgt. Kevin Harris, resigned Thursday after an internal investigation into his conduct.

Harris had worked for the department for nearly eight years, police chief James Humphreys said.

Harris' wife, Christina Randol-Harris, was charged Oct. 9 with 11 class C felonies for forgery by the Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney. A preliminary hearing in her case is set for Nov. 19.

Her husband is not facing criminal charges.

"I do not anticipate there will be any criminal charges filed against Kevin Harris," Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said.

According to a Jackson press release, the Missouri State Highway Patrol completed a related investigation Oct. 9. Based on that information, the city initiated an internal investigation concerning Sgt. Harris.

He was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the city's investigation, which was recently completed by an independent investigator, the city said. The investigator's report was submitted to the city Wednesday.

On Thursday, Harris submitted a letter of voluntary resignation and it was accepted.

The resignation also means the city will be without the use of its police dog, Baron, for a short period, Humphreys said.

New officer to be trained

"We'll have a new officer trained and bonded with dog within a few months," the chief said. "We've done this before and it's never been a problem."

The chief said local K-9 trainer Mike Ervin and the Cape Girardeau Police Department have provided a substitute dog in the past to Jackson when necessary.

Of Harris' work ethic and history, Humphreys was complimentary.

"I never had a problem with the way he worked here," he said. "He was a good dog handler and he was good in his position here. I wish him the best of luck in the future."