“The Police Department’s review determined that Officer Hampton had acted in a manner entirely inconsistent with his K-9 training and had violated Police Department policy. As a result, he was recommended for termination,” Salisbury police said in a statement. Hampton became a K-9 officer in 2015.
The video shows a Salisbury K-9 handler upset with his dog for exiting the police cruiser and continues to scold him. The officer then swings Zuul around his body and appears to hit the dog. Other officers are heard on the tape saying "there are no witnesses." Salisbury Police Chief Jerry Stokes refused questions at Tuesday’s press conference.