The Arnold Police Department has completed its internal investigation into the death of a police dog after he was left alone in a vehicle and the air-conditioning and alert systems malfunctioned, Chief Brian Carroll announced today, Sept. 13.
However, Carroll said state law prohibits the department from revealing the results of the investigation.
“A thorough and comprehensive investigation was carried out and these findings have been documented in a detailed report on what transpired that day,” Carroll said in a written statement. “Our agency understands the importance of transparency, but in this particular case, we must abide by state law.”
Carroll cited a section of the Missouri state statutes related to administrative investigations or questioning of law enforcement officers (RSMo 590.502) that says, “All reports compiled as a result of any internal investigation are strictly confidential and shall not be subject to disclosure under the Missouri Sunshine Law.”
Carroll also noted in his statement that the details of the investigation may only be released pending a subpoena, court order or a request from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
“We are fully committed to releasing the results of this investigation as long as these requirements are met per state statute,” he said.
Vader died from complications of heat exhaustion on July 31, Arnold Police reported.
Carroll said in a written statement on Aug. 1 that the dog was left in a patrol vehicle with the engine running and the air conditioning on. However, at some point, the air-conditioning system stopped working and a safety system in the vehicle that’s supposed to alert the officer that the vehicle is getting too hot malfunctioned.
When Vader’s partner, Arnold Police Officer Timothy Mayberry, returned to the vehicle, he discovered the air-conditioning system had malfunctioned and Vader appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion.
Vader, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was transported to the Arnold Animal Hospital where he showed signs of improvement. The police dog was then taken to Veterinary Specialty Services, a 24-hour clinic in Manchester, but died later the same day, the report said.
Carroll said Vader had been with the department since 2021.
“We are grateful to everyone who has reached out to offer their condolences,” Carroll said in the Sept. 13 statement. “This was a devasting loss to both our community and Police Department.”
Carroll said Mayberry is still employed by the Arnold Police Department.
Carroll also said the Arnold Police Department continually updates its policies and procedures to ensure compliance with changes in law enforcement, and the department is currently examining its K-9 policies.
We have reached out to several law enforcement agencies from across the county to compare our policy to their standards,” Carroll said. “This review is ongoing, and if changes are necessary, we will implement the new standards in a timely manner.”
Carroll said the Arnold Police Department currently has two police dogs.