The UC Davis police officer at the center of a firestorm over the school's alleged mistreatment of Occupy protesters during a sit-in last November is officially out of a job.

"I can confirm that [Lt.] John Pike's employment with the university ended on July 31, 2012," UC Davis spokesman Barry Shiller told the Sacramento Bee. Shiller said he could not comment further, citing "privacy guidelines."

Pike was roundly criticised for pepper-spraying the peaceful protesters at near point-blank range. He was immediately placed on paid leave following the incident, and has remained off campus ever since.

UC Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza, who, along with another officer, was also suspended with pay, retired in April after an investigative report [pdf] from an independent panel called her leadership during the protests into question.

Chancellor Linda Katehi, who ignored calls to step down, was also criticized by the task force.

Several lawsuits against Pike and the other officers involved are still pending, and the Yolo County District Attorney's Office has yet to decide whether to file criminal charges.

[image via AP]