News Releases

Mobile Police Release Shooting Review Committee Findings

Apr 11th, 2014

On March 14, 2014, Officer Kevin Kelly responded to the area of Murphy High School to assist with a complaint from the school of an on-campus intrusion by non-students. In checking the area residential backyards in an attempt to locate the fleeing subjects, Officer Kelly encountered two dogs who became aggressive towards the officer. With no room to retreat, the officer shot both dogs, killing one. Internal Affairs responded to the scene and conducted an investigation.

On April 8, 2014, a Department Shooting Review Board convened to review evidence and take testimony from Officer Kelly, Internal Affairs investigators and witnesses. The Board was comprised of the commander of the Field Operations Division, a Policy and Procedure manager, a Training Unit supervisor, a Legal Advisor and a Corporal from Special Operations.

This Board reviewed three areas of concern in relation to the shooting event: Policy, Procedure and Training. With respect to Mobile Police Department policy and procedures, it was determined the Memorandum Order involving domestic animals was thorough and sufficient for its intended purpose but identified deficiencies on the part of the officer in following the policy as outlined.

A unanimous decision was made by the board that Officer Kelly be entered into the Early Warning System, a program implemented by the Mobile Police Department to seek corrective action on at-risk behavior prior to any serious misconduct. Officer Kelly is also remanded to 40 hours of remedial training to correct deficiencies. He will receive close supervision for a period of six months, during which a supervisor will document compliance and competence with policies and procedures.

At the conclusion of the six-month period, a report will be presented to Chief James Barber. Chief Barber will determine at that time if further action is warranted.

Chief Barber recognized officers are going to come into contact with domestic animals during the scope of their duty. "It is of significant importance that we mitigate the confrontation between officers and animals and proper protocol is followed throughout the Department to minimize these situations," said Barber. "The dogs were in their yards. They do what dogs do naturally - you can not fault them for that. What we can look at that is the reasonableness of the officer's actions under the circumstances."

Chief Barber did reach out to the owners of the dog prior to this release to make them aware of the finding of the Board.

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Ashley H. Rains
Public Information Office
(251) 208-1918