Six Fort Smith police officers have been fired from their jobs within the department following an internal investigation.

Rodrigo Roque, Michael D’Agostino, Danny Nacalaban, Seth Dominic, Johnne Le and Dalton Tucker were found to have engaged in egregious activities.

Following the terminations, FSPD Chief Danny Baker addressed the entire department, emphasizing the importance of accountability and encouraging employees to report misconduct.

“I am deeply disturbed that something like this happened and I apologize to those of you who had to endure it,” Baker said. “As long as I am police chief, the actions of these former officers do not and will not represent the culture and environment of the Fort Smith Police Department. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you witness or experience bad behavior from anyone.” In this organization, the duty to intervene doesn’t end on the street. This obligation also extends to your colleagues and employees.

The investigation began in mid-December when investigators from the FSPD Office of Professional Standards were made aware of alleged harassment, belittlement and dangerous “shenanigans” by certain officers assigned to night shift patrol. Baker ordered an immediate internal investigation, which uncovered a pattern of “serious misconduct involving potentially criminal conduct, dangerous behavior and harassment of new officers,” according to the department’s statement.

Three of the officials proved untruthful during the investigation.

The investigation found that several officers repeatedly pointed loaded firearms and “spark-tested” Tasers at their colleagues in a threatening manner, creating the impression that others might be shocked. The FSPD alleged that the same group of officers engaged in harassment, including verbal abuse and threats not to provide assistance in dangerous situations if others refused to comply with their behavior.

None of the officers who were victims of firearms pointed at them have decided to file criminal charges at this time. However, the department will apply to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) to decertify these former officers.

The department also thanked those who have come forward to report issues and stressed the importance of their trust in the administration to take quick and decisive action. Your actions reflect the integrity and accountability that the department seeks to uphold.

The FSPD has implemented new measures to promote accountability, wellness and trust within the community and among its officers. In November 2023, the department began using citizen satisfaction surveys on every call and quarterly employee well-being surveys to proactively address concerns and provide necessary support to the public and its employees.

This article originally appeared on the Fort Smith Times Record: FSPD fires officers after harassment and misconduct investigation