Saint Jo Police Force Down to One Officer
By: Spencer Williams
Updated: November 14, 2012
The Saint Jo Police force is down to just one officer with the resignation of the Chief Monday, and the firing of an officer last week.
Police Chief Billy Reynolds submitted his resignation effective November 22nd. City Secretary Sherry Davis says Reynolds is taking paid leave through the 22nd. Reynolds has been chief of Saint Jo since August of 2011.
He worked as a Saint Jo officer for a brief period in 2004, and returned to the Saint Jo department in 2008. Officer Gary Amburn, who was hired by Reynolds in October 2011, was fired after complaints by citizens to the city council of excessive force during arrests.
Reynolds stated in his resignation letter he felt compelled to resign because of the improper way councilors dealt with the complaints against Amburn. The remaining officer on the force, Lance Provost, will be interim chief until the council hires a new chief.
