Officials heard reports of “hazing, belittling, and dangerous ‘horseplay’ by certain officers assigned to the night shift.”
FORT SMITH, Ark. — Six Fort Smith police officers have been fired after an internal investigation into hazing and misconduct, according to a Jan. 6 statement by the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD).
FSPD reports that on Dec. 10, 2024, authorities from the Office of Professional Standards were “made aware of alleged hazing, belittling, and dangerous “horseplay” by certain officers assigned to the night shift Patrol.”
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An internal investigation, begun by Chief Danny Baker, uncovered a pattern of “serious misconduct involving potentially criminal acts, hazardous behavior, and harassment of newer officers,” according to the FSPD release.
Several officers reportedly pointed loaded firearms at fellow officers and threatened others with tasers. “Additionally, the same group of officers engaged in hazing, including name-calling and threats to withhold backup in dangerous situations if others refused to comply with their behavior.”
Of the six officers who were fired, three were reportedly untruthful during the investigation.
- Rodrigo Roque
- Start Date: 8/7/23
- Michael D’Agostino
- Start Date: 2/13/23
- Danny Nacalaban
- Start Date: 8/9/21
- Seth Dominic
- Start Date: 2/13/23
- Johnne Le
- Start Date: 5/16/22
- Dalton Tucker
- Start Date: 2/13/23
At this time, none of the officers who allegedly had guns pointed at them are filing charges, however, the FSPD is requesting that all six officers have their law enforcement certification taken away.
“I am deeply troubled that this was going on and I apologize to those of you who had to endure it,” Chief Baker stated. “The actions of these former officers do not and will not represent the culture and environment of the Fort Smith Police Department as long as I am the Chief of Police.”
5NEWS will update this article as more information becomes available.