Pubdate: Thu, 24 Jan 2002
Source: Decatur Daily (AL)
Copyright: 2002 The Decatur Daily
Contact:  http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696
Author: Scott Parrott
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

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.
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