The Rockwood Civil Service Board will conduct a Hearing of Fact regarding an employee grievance at 4 p.m. on March 24 at Rockwood City Hall. This hearing involves former K-9 Officer Charles Haubrich, who served as a police officer with the Rockwood Police Department for over 15 years (approximately 16 years, since 2007) before his termination.

In November 2025, Haubrich was fired following an incident during a traffic stop investigation. The events stemmed from a traffic incident on North Douglas Avenue in Rockwood, where a female driver was charged with vehicular assault after allegedly striking another individual with her vehicle’s mirror and fleeing the scene. She was later pulled over in Harriman by Harriman officers. Haubrich, who knew the suspect and suspected she might have drugs, followed up in Harriman. Body camera footage from the incident, later reviewed by city officials, captured Haubrich suggesting that a female Harriman officer, Darby, conduct a search for illegal drugs. After she checked the suspect’s bra area, Haubrich reportedly told her to “go deep” while making a finger gesture implying a lower body cavity search. Officer Darby stated she did not feel comfortable proceeding, and she noted that such actions were against policy.

Police Chief Kelly Pittman presented the body camera video during prior proceedings, highlighting that department policies prohibit officers from conducting cavity searches (particularly in sensitive areas like the vagina) during a traffic stop. Such invasive searches must be performed at a hospital or jail facility by authorized female personnel, often requiring a warrant or medical professional involvement.

On January 21, 2026, the Rockwood City Council held a special session at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall to review the chief’s decision on Haubrich’s termination. After viewing the footage and hearing from both Chief Pittman and Haubrich—who appeared to request reinstatement—the council unanimously voted (6-0, with one member absent) to uphold the termination.The upcoming March 24 hearing before the Rockwood Civil Service Board represents Haubrich’s final appeal in the grievance process before city officials. His attorney is expected to attend.