Six night patrol officers from the Fort Smith Police Department were fired following an investigation that uncovered a range of dangerous, inappropriate, and potentially criminal behaviors, according to a recent news release.
The investigation began on December 10, 2024, when the FSPD’s Office of Professional Standards received reports of hazing, bullying, and reckless “horseplay” by officers assigned to the night shift. The internal probe, ordered by Chief Danny Baker, revealed that several officers in the group had engaged in troubling and unsafe actions:
– Pointing loaded firearms at fellow officers
– “Spark-testing” Tasers in a threatening manner, creating the risk of shocking others
– Participating in hazing, including verbal abuse and name-calling
– Threatening to withhold backup in dangerous situations unless others complied with their behavior
The six officers involvedDanny Nacalaban, Johnne Le, Michael D’Agostino, Seth Dominic, Dalton Tucker, and Rodrigo Roquewere terminated on January 2 and 3, 2025, after being found in violation of multiple Civil Service Rules. The department has also requested that the officers be decertified by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
“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,” Chief Baker stated.
Fort Smith Police officials emphasized their commitment to upholding integrity and accountability within the department. They thanked those who came forward to report the misconduct, praising their courage for helping expose these serious violations. The department also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve accountability, including the introduction of Citizen Satisfaction Surveys and Quarterly Employee Wellness Surveys in November 2023.
“We especially want to acknowledge and thank the individuals who came forward for the trust they have placed in their Administration to take swift and decisive action against these behaviors. Their courage demonstrates the very principles of integrity and accountability that define the Fort Smith Police Department,” the release states.
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