Published: September 04, 2008 11:21 pm            

Suspended officers’ hearing is today

Davis and Kirk to appear before board of works

Two Kokomo police officers on administrative paid leave since March will appear before the Board of Public Works & Safety today for a disciplinary hearing.

Capt. Greg Davis and Lt. Jeff Kirk will have the opportunity to refute allegations of procedure violations. The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in city council chambers.

The pair have been on administrative paid leave since March 24 for allegedly violating department policies and procedures while investigating what they believed was corruption within the police department.

Following an internal investigation, Chief Rob Baker recommended the two be demoted to patrol officers and be suspended — Kirk for 10 days and Davis for five days. Baker is also requesting that Kirk undergo a psychological evaluation before returning to work.

Among those subpoenaed to testify at the hearing is Howard County Sheriff Department officer Matt Roberson, a member of the Drug Task Force.

On Monday, the Howard County commissioners approved the hiring of Logansport attorney James Austen to represent Roberson.

County attorney Larry Murrell said it was best that Roberson be represented at the hearing. Austen will bill the county on an hourly basis.

Davis was demoted to his previous rank of captain by the board of works after being placed on leave. He previously had the rank of major.

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

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

The KPD is represented by attorney Charles Braun.

Kokomo city attorney Derek Sublette said he will be in attendance as legal counsel for the board of works.

“It is a formal process where evidence will be presented and there will be cross-examination of witnesses,” he said.

Sublette said the board will probably meet in executive session following the hearing and publicly announce their ruling at a later date..

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

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

Kirk has been a member of KPD since September 1981 and Davis has been with the department since September1979.

Ken de la Bastide can be reached at (765) 454-8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com

        

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