Smyrna Police Officer James Hicks received a 10-day unpaid suspension and was demoted after an investigation into him racially profiling a teenage girl. Additional training is now required for the officer.
Reports show that the parents of a 13-year old girl filed a complaint with the Town of Smyrna on December 14, 2018, after Officer Hicks allegedly stopped their daughter who was walking to her home in the Legacy subdivision on Saturday, December 1, 2018. In addition, it also showed that Hicks did not communicate in a professional manner with the girl's parents.
The teen was walking through yards and was close to homes and porches. The investigation shows that the police officer failed to record the interrogation of the teen. However, another patrolman arrived and did get part of the conversation on tape.
The Town of Smyrna released a statement after completing an investigation into Officer James Hicks.
| "The Town administration expects adherence to its policies and is resolute in maintaining the trust of its citizens; regardless of age, race, gender or nationality. Any complaint alleging violations of policy or professionalism is investigated and addressed in a timely manner in order to continue this trust with all of our residents. Additionally, the Town strives to be proactive through training and instruction. The Smyrna Police Department requires annual training through the Just and Fair Policing program of the State of Tennessee, as well as Diversity/Sensitivity training proctored by the Human Resources' Department. Ultimately, the municipality seeks to serve all of its citizens in a professional, courteous and safe manner." |
