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."