Suspended Grand Rapids police officer files for retirement,
police say
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A Grand Rapids police
officer has submitted resignation papers while authorities investigate an
alleged relationship with a woman with diminished mental capacity, police said.
Randal Smith filed the paperwork with the city
on April 16, but his retirement would not take effect until 30 days after
filing, police said. He could rescind the paperwork before the waiting period
elapses, Lt. Vincent Reilly said.
Smith has worked for the department more than
20 years.
Chief Kevin Belk
announced last month that the officer had been placed on leave.
Police learned of the alleged situation when
the 41-year-old woman talked to a Grand Rapids police sergeant. The sergeant
became concerned, which led to the investigation into possible misconduct.
Kalamazoo County prosecutors are reviewing the
investigation, police said.
The alleged misconduct did not occur while the
officer was on duty, but he met the woman while on duty, police said.
The officer was placed on leave pending the
outcome of the investigation.
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