JPD officer reassigned after retired police canine in his care adopted from animal shelter

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - An officer with the Jackson Police Department has been reassigned to patrol duty after a former canine that was supposed to be in his care was adopted from an animal shelter.

According to Roderick Holmes with the Jackson Police Department, Ringo was thought to be living with his former handler in retirement, but police later learned that this wasn’t the case.

Ringo was though to be living with his former handler (Source: JPD)

Sergeant Holmes said JPD respects and holds their canines with high regard, just as they do any other officer within the department. “They are family, and we do not feel they deserve anything less than a loving home in retirement,” he said.

To prevent this from happening in the future, Sergeant Holmes said the Chief of Police has implemented protocol which requires quarterly welfare checks for all canines, both active duty and retired.

Additionally, policy is currently being drafted that will address specific requirements related to retired canines and their welfare, so that they are provided with the best care possible.