Darlington Police Chief Jay Cox was suspended this week as a result of an investigation being conducted by the city.
Darlington City Manager Rodney Langley said Cox received a two-day unpaid suspension that began Monday.
Langley would not comment on the reason for Cox’s suspension but would only say it was not because of any criminal activity.
The suspension also wasn’t a result of a recent complaint made against Cox by a Darlington resident, Langley said.
“He’s been suspended ... without pay for an incident that has nothing to do with the gentleman that came to city council last week,” Langley said.
The resident attended the July 1 council meeting and told members that Cox had engaged in an argument with the resident’s wife a few months ago and used profanity, Darlington City Council member Gloria Hines said.
Cox was written up as a result of the incident, she said.
The city council also has received other complaints about Cox, she said. This led to the city council voting to seek someone outside the council to investigate allegations made against Cox.
Langley said he signed an agreement Wednesday with Darlington attorney Albert James III, who officially will begin his investigation today.
James has no affiliation with the city or its police department, Langley said.
The suspension was followed by a vacation that will end with Cox returning to the department Monday, Langley said.
In Cox’s absence, Darlington Police Capt. Wayne Byrd will perform duties associated with the police chief’s position, he said.
Cox has been the police chief since 1995.
— WBTW News 13’s Jody Barr provided the inital report of this story.
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