Mobile Police Officer Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Child Sex Abuse Charges

Mobile, Ala. (BuzzReport) — The Mobile Police Department confirmed Thursday that one of its officers has been placed on administrative leave following notification of a criminal investigation being conducted outside the department’s jurisdiction.

According to police officials, Officer Jacob Clifford was immediately placed on paid administrative leave after the department learned of the investigation. All city-issued property and credentials assigned to Clifford were collected as a precautionary measure.

The investigation itself is not being handled by Mobile police. Authorities said any inquiries regarding the nature or status of the case should be directed to the Daphne Police Department and the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office, which are overseeing the matter.

Mobile Police Chief William Jackson said swift action was taken once the department was notified.

“The moment I was notified of the investigation, Ofc. Clifford was placed on paid administrative leave, and he remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation,” Jackson said. “My officers are not above the law. All of my officers are held to the highest standards of conduct, regardless of if they’re on duty or off.”

Officials emphasized that the administrative leave is standard procedure and does not indicate a determination of guilt. The department has launched its own internal review, which will proceed alongside the external criminal investigation.

At this time, police say no additional details will be released.

The situation remains under investigation, and further updates are expected once more information becomes available from the agencies involved.