A Des Moines police spokesman says Officer Brian Mathis has been suspended for three days without pay and also won’t be considered for another K-9.
Officer Mathis’ K-9 partner Harley died August 29th after being left in a hot patrol car that wasn’t running. The patrol cars are equipped with technology to monitor the K-9, but the equipment doesn’t work if the vehicle isn’t turned on.
Sgt. Chris Scott says the decision on punishment was reached after a thorough investigation into the department’s policies and technology.
The outcome of the investigation has spurred changes in some policies and the department plans to buy new equipment for squad cars that can better monitor conditions inside and send a page to officers. The equipment costs about $1,900 per car.
Sgt. Scott says Mathis has taken complete responsibility for the situation and no one is more devastated about the loss of Harley than he and his family.
[Mmm. I think the dead dog is the one most devastated in this situation.]
(WHO - Oct 9, 2012)
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