Published: May 14, 2008 11:55 pm            

KPD officers seeking review of internal police probe

Request made for Board of Inquiry recommendation

Two high-ranking Kokomo police officers accused of violating department rules and regulations have requested a Board of Inquiry review their case.

Major Greg Davis, who headed the criminal investigations unit, and Lt. Jeff Kirk, who was recently reassigned to the drug interdiction unit, were placed on administrative paid leave on March 24. Davis was demoted to his previous rank of captain by the Kokomo Board of Public Works & Safety shortly after being placed on paid administrative leave.

The two officers are required to stay at home during regular work hours and do not have access to their department office spaces.

The suspensions came shortly after Davis and Kirk brought allegations of Kokomo Police Department misconduct to the FBI.

Capt. Dave Mitchell, head of the Professional Standards Unit, said his internal investigation is complete and the officers have appealed his decision with the Board of Inquiry.

Mitchell would not say what the recommendation is since it’s not binding until the Board of Inquiry gives a recommendation. Following the Board of Inquiry ruling, KPD Chief Rob Baker will make the final decision on punishment. If the punishment exceeds a five-day suspension, it will have to go before the Board of Works, Mitchell said.

The Board of Inquiry consists of three police officers appointed by the chief of police.

Davis and Kirk are being represented by attorneys John Kautzman and Elizabeth Bemis with the Ruckleshaus, Roland, Kautzman, Blackwell and Hasbrook law firm of Indianapolis.

“It is my understanding that the officers are requesting a Board of Inquiry be appointed to review the allegations against them,” Kautzman said.

A hearing date for the Board of Inquiry to convene has not been set.

“We are working with the administration on a hearing date and will see what gets worked out,” Kautzman said.

The officers were placed on paid administrative leave for violating KPD policies and procedures not related to criminal activity, Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight said in March.

Davis and Kirk reportedly brought the allegations to the FBI during the administration of former Mayor Matt McKillip.

Davis has been a member of the department since September, 1979 and Kirk has been with the department since September, 1981.

        

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