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PROVO — A Provo police officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior at a high school.
Cody Harris, a resource officer at Provo High School, is accused of taking off his pants to reveal scant, green Speedo-style underwear during a birthday party for a female employee at the school, Provo's Daily Herald reported (http://bit.ly/KCHZNG).
Harris also is accused of dropping his pants again a short time later when Principal Jeff Schoonover entered the room and trying to hug him.
The officer, who was supposed to represent a frog as part of the "Princess and the Frog" theme of Wednesday's party, was then ordered off campus by Schoonover.
Police Chief Rick Gregory said the matter involves the department's code of conduct and a requirement that officers not be out of regulation uniform.
"I can't characterize it as a strip tease, but it was not consistent with policy and went beyond the police uniform," he said. "I'm very frustrated and disappointed. Unfortunately, this reflects adversely on the department."
Attempts to reach Harris were unsuccessful. There was a constant busy signal early Saturday afternoon at a home phone listed under his name in Provo.
The school district asked police for an investigation after the incident, said district spokesman Greg Hudnall.
"It's an unfortunate incident that happened when the party got out of control," he told the Daily Herald.
Harris has worked at other schools with no prior incidents, Gregory said, adding he hopes to close the matter next week.
"We hope our swift handing of this incident will keep the confidence of the community," the chief said.
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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldextra.com (Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
