After a couple of years of trials and appeals, the North Carolina Court of Appeals finally ruled that the trooper Charles Jones, who was fired from the force in 2007, is to be reinstated with back pay. Jones was dismissed from the job for using excessive force on his K-9, and he’s been battling to get his job back since.
What got him fired was one of the other troopers handing in two 15 second video clips that showed Jones kicking his dog to make him drop the chew toy he had in his mouth. Jones former supervisor Lt. Col. Cecil Lockley said in his testimony that they were planning to discipline Jones, but got instructions from “higher ground” to release him from his Highway Patrol position. The order came from then-governor Mike Easley’s office and wasn’t questioned. Lockley admits that Jones’ discipline method used on the dog named Ricoh was “ugly”, but not beyond the accepted training techniques.
John Midgette, executive director of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association, said:
“These dogs are not pets. They are deadly weapons, and (if they are) not handled properly, people can get hurt – innocent people can get hurt.”
Jones is going to get a back pay of an estimated $200.000 – $240.000, and it is yet unclear whether he’s planning to go back to his old job or continue working for the Apex Police Department, where he was hired four months after he lost his first job.
I thought police dogs were considered comrades. I don’t see how kicking the dog is any different than kicking a partner. I think the office should be kicked in the head.
the system is dumb so is this asshole of a human . its wrong I cant believe anyone would support this POS
can’t beleve this ass is going to be out there again…..
only in USA.
This really pisses me off! That is why your suppose to train the dog the right way…..I’m surprised the dog didn’t turn on him for kicking him! I would have! I hope he dose not go back…….I would even think about letting him back on the force! People who abuse animals discus me!
Now if it were you or I we’d have a near felony charge. Shows what happens when you put authority and a cache of weapons in the hands of idiots.
It’s sad that not even their own member which it a dog too doesn’t have no right and no protecyion again their partner or other officer.
what a cowardly, FAT-ASS, animal abusing POS!
Comments are full of people, who doesnt understand that these dogs are not pets and they are not family members.
If the “chew toy” was a baby girl, would you prefer a dog that reacts instantly to commands or a dog who thinks it’s all fun and games?