PINE BLUFF, AR --
For the past few weeks, Officer Andrea Cherry has been away from her post as a school resource officer at jack Robey Junior High."Certainly anybody can enjoy some time off but not under these conditions," said Cherry.
Cherry said on January 12th, school leaders got word of a possible weapon on campus. She lost track of time looking for it, making her late to testify in juvenile court on another case. The judge, upset with Cherry's tardiness, called Police Chief Brenda Davis-Jones in disgust.
"Anytime you have immediate dangerous situation like a weapon on campus, it's something that would take precedence over something that occurred it the past obviously," said Cherry.
The next day, Chief Jones called Cherry in her office and suspended her.
"A retaliatory action by her in response to some events that happened back in September when I was public information officer for the police department," said Cherry.
In the hearing, Chief Jones says she didn't suspend Cherry just because she showed up late to court. She took into account previous write-ups from over a 12-month period.
Cherry acknowledged infractions in the past but feels the chief's moves are harsh and personal.
She wants the suspension removed from her file and back pay for the days she missed. The city's 3-person review board will decide if Cherry gets her wish.
"I pray that everyone there who was represented by the city departments will consider the same thing could happen to them if they dealt with a vindictive type person," said Cherry.
Chief Jones did not want to comment.
The Review Board has 10 days to respond to Cherry's appeal.
