[03/22/01] A Vicksburg police officer is appealing his demotion and suspension because he says he doesn’t know the reason for the disciplinary action.

Jackson attorney Kate Eidt, who is representing Patrolman Joe Head, told the Civil Service Commission Wednesday afternoon that her client wanted a hearing on his 10-day suspension and demotion from sergeant to patrolman.

“He is at least entitled to know why this action was taken,” Eidt said after Wednesday’s monthly meeting.

The commission agreed to hear the appeal in April.

Head said he was called to a meeting with the Board of Mayor and Alderman Feb. 20 and told of his demotion and suspension. The meeting was closed to the public.

“They just handed me a piece of paper that said I was suspended and had lost my rank,” Head said.

North Ward Alderman Gertrude Young said that Head and his attorney were sent a letter before the meeting detailing what Head was accused of.

“He and his attorney knew exactly what he was being accused of,” Young said. “It was explained in the letter and at the meeting.”

Nancy Thomas, one of the city’s attorneys, said she couldn’t comment on why Head was demoted and suspended.

“I’m sure it will come out in the hearing,” Thomas said.

Chief of Police Mitchell Dent was not available for comment because of a death in his family.

A citizen complaint was the only reason given for Head’s discipline at the February meeting, Eidt said.

City attorney Walterine Langford told the commission she has filed a motion to stop Head’s appeal because he was still within his probationary period and thus is entitled to no Civil Service protection.

Civil Service rules state that within the first 12 months of a promotion an employee can be demoted for any violation.

Head was promoted about six months ago.

Langford said she is not attempting to stop Head’s appeal on the 10-day suspension.

The commission granted a hearing for Langford and Head on April 11 at 2 p.m.

In other matters, the commission voted to approve changes in the Vicksburg Fire Department employment qualifications.

Under the rules that will go into effect today, applicants will be required to have the 40 hours of college credit or two years’ service as a firefighter in another department. Firefighters will still be required to become EMT-certified, but will not have to complete the training during their first year of employment as was previously required, nor will they have to score high enough on the American College Test to be admitted to Hinds Community College.

South Ward Alderman Sam Habeeb and fire commissioner had suggested that benchmark, but was overruled by Mayor Robert Walker and North Ward Alderman Gertrude Young who objected to a fixed standard.

The changes were approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen March 5.

The commission, made up of three members appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, is a review panel charged with keeping politics out of employment and promotions at the city’s police and fire departments.

It prepares, approves and administers study guides and written tests that are part of the city’s promotional process.

Commission members are Linda Sweezer, Joe Graham and Clyde Harris.