On Jan. 6, 2025, the Fort Smith Police Department sparked headlines by firing six police officers for hazing and misconduct while on duty. The officers joined the force within the past four years, with the most senior officer hired in 2021. The six went under an internal investigation beginning in mid-December, started by the Chief of Police Danny Baker after the department received reports of the officers’ “dangerous horseplay.”

     According to an FSPD release, the reports accused the officers of “serious misconduct involving potentially criminal acts, hazardous behavior, and harassment of newer officers.”

     Reports received by the Office of Professional Standards detailed that the officers would point loaded guns at fellow officers, as well as test tasers in a “threatening manner” that led other officers to believe they could be shocked. Additional reports claimed that the officers refused to withhold backup in dangerous situations. 

     According to Police Chief Danny Baker, “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.”

     All six officers were on night patrol, which, according to FSPD Public Information Officer Aric Mitchell, will not affect citizens’ staffing and safety. While no one has decided to pursue criminal charges, there are calls for the six officers to lose their law enforcement certification so they will not be able to repeat these offenses at another police department.