CITY D.A.R.E. OFFICER RESIGNS

Malone Steps Down Amid Claims Of Improper Contact With Child Off Duty

An officer with the Decatur police Drug Abuse Resistance Education program
resigned amid accusations of improperly touching a friend's child.

The department's Internal Affairs Unit is continuing its investigation into
allegations that Raymond Malone, a four-year veteran of D.A.R.E.,
improperly touched the child during a visit to Malone's Southwest Decatur
home Jan. 12.

Police Chief Joel Gilliam said authorities will not make criminal charges
in connection with the friend's child. The child's guardian refused to
press charges because she felt it may harm her child, Gilliam said.

"This incident, while deplorable, is isolated," Gilliam said Tuesday. "We
have not received any other complaints."

The Police Department is not aware of any inappropriate actions taking
place on school property or in connection with Malone's duties, Gilliam said.

The only reported incident occurred inside Malone's home at London Place, a
new subdivision in Southwest Decatur, police said. Police would not release
the child's age or sex.

Parents with information regarding Malone may contact the Internal Affairs
Unit at 432-2127.

Efforts to contact Malone were unsuccessful.

The department's Internal Affairs Unit received the complaint Thursday,
Gilliam said. By Friday, Malone had voluntarily resigned.