A Pelham police officer has resigned following an investigation involving potentially inappropriate messages with a student.
The officer, who police have not identified, was initially put on leave in September.
Officials announced Friday that an independent investigation by the Alabaster Police Department into the Pelham Park Middle School officer showed no crimes were committed by the officer.
However, “The SRO violated the City of Pelham and Pelham City Schools policies. As a result of these policy violations, the officer tendered his resignation.”
Police Chief Brent Sugg in a September press release said the department received information from the parent of a former student at Pelham Park Middle School.
The parent reported that a student had communicated via text messages with the middle school’s resource officer. “The messages were from late May 2024 and may be deemed inappropriate,’’ Sugg’s statement read.
The chief said there was no indication that any physical contact took place or was suggested.
The officer was immediately placed on leave and did not return to the school.
“The safety of our students and community remains our top priority and we will continue to work close with Pelham City Schools to ensure our policies and procedures are strictly, followed,’’ the police department’s Friday press release read. “The Pelham Police Department is committed to being transparent without community and holding our officers to the highest standard of conduct.”
