The Clarksdale Press Register
Clarksdale, Mississippi (AP) -- A state board has suspended the police certification of a Clarksdale officer who was acquitted in February of drug possession charges.
The suspension came after the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training reviewed evidence in the case of Daryl Clark on Thursday. The board revoked Clark’s certification for two years.
The board reviewed evidence relating to a July 18 incident during which a surveillance tape inside the police department showed a bag of white powder fall from Clark’s hand to a hallway floor. Lab reports identified the powder as approximately two grams of cocaine.
Clark has consistently maintained his innocence and was cleared by a jury of criminal charges during a trial in Coahoma County Circuit Court.
Clark called the situation confusing and unfair and said he would appeal the board’s decision.
“I’m just totally confused about this. I really don’t understand it at all,” Clark said. “The way I see it, the evidence is actually circumstantial. If I knew I had committed a crime like that, then I wouldn’t have taken it this far.”
Clark loses his certification in Mississippi for two years then he can reapply. But, the revocation will become a permanent part of Clark’s record and could hinder his attempts to obtain new certification in Mississippi or elsewhere, said board Branch Director Keith May.
Clarksdale Police Chief Steve Bingham said he would not comment on the case until he receives a formal letter from the board. It is unknown whether Clark will remain employed with the city in a different role.
Because the board doesn’t abide by the same strict standards of a court of law, it can hear more evidence, May said, explaining why his agency took action against Clark.