Six Fort Smith police officers fired after hazing investigation

Fort Smith

by Michael Tilley ([email protected]) ago 0 views 

The Fort Smith Police Department announced Monday (Jan. 6) that six officers have been terminated “for a range of sustained Civil Service violations” related to hazing new officers and lying during an investigation of the hazing.

Allegations were brought to the department’s Office of Professional Standards on Dec. 10, 2024. According to the FSPD, the allegations included “hazing, belittling, and dangerous ‘horseplay’ by certain officers assigned to the night shift patrol. The investigation, ordered by FSPD Chief Danny Baker found a “pattern of serious misconduct involving potentially criminal acts, hazardous behavior, and harassment of newer officers,” according to the department.

The officers dismissed, along with month and year they were hired, are Rodrigo Roque (August 2023), Michael D’Agostino (February 2023), Danny Nacalaban (August 2021), Seth Dominic (February 2023), Johnne Le (May 2022), and Dalton Tucker (February 2023).

“The investigation revealed that several officers repeatedly pointed loaded firearms at fellow officers and ‘spark tested’ Tasers in a threatening manner, creating the perception that others might be shocked. 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,” the FSPD noted in its press release.

The FSPD also requested that the officers be decertified by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST).

“I am deeply troubled that this was going on and I apologize to those of you who had to endure it. 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. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you witness or experience bad behavior by anyone in this organization. Duty to Intervene doesn’t stop on the street. That duty extends to your fellow officers and employees as well,” Baker said in a statement.

FSPD spokesman Aric Mitchell said the investigation is not over and “there will definitely be some questions raised internally” about the actions of the six officers. He said the investigation could include suggestions on how to prevent such behavior.

Mitchell also said dismissal of the officers will not negatively impact the department – which is budgeted for 164 sworn officers – in terms of patrols and other activities.

“We never have a problem getting officers to step up when needed, … but that will be something the patrol sergeants and lieutenants will figure out. We’re not hurting when it comes to manpower,” Mitchell said.