JONESBORO, Ark. — The decertification process continues for the fired JPD officer caught on camera using excessive force with a handcuffed inmate. However, his hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Officer Joseph Tucker Harris’s decertification was on the agenda for the Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 meeting of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST). According to Communications Director Cindy Murphy with the Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the commission first votes on whether to consider the decertification request, which they did this week. After that happens, a hearing is set.
Murphy said the hearing typically occurs the following month but next month’s agenda has not yet been set.
Once a request to decertify is submitted, the commission notifies the subject officer if they believe a reasonable basis exists for revoking their eligibility. The subject then may request a hearing within 20 days of the notice.
After decertification, the individual can only become a law enforcement officer again if the commission casts a majority vote making the subject eligible for re-certification.
The request for Harris’ decertification stems from the incident that led to his firing by JPD on August 9. On August 8, Harris struck a handcuffed inmate ten times in the back of his patrol cruiser. Harris also closed the door on the inmate’s head twice. Once at the jail, Harris appeared to take another swing at the inmate before detention officers told him to leave the booking area.
As of Monday, Sept. 9, the investigation by Arkansas State Police continued into Harris’s actions, according to Murphy.
Documents obtained from the DPS through a Freedom of Information Act request show JPD’s statement to the CLEST board.
On August 9, 2024, Joseph Harris responded to assist in locating, detaining, and transporting an individual escaped from St. Bernards. During transport, the individual attempted to strangle himself with the restraint belt in the back of Harris’ vehicle. Harris stopped his vehicle and made contact with the individual who had the belt around his neck and was on his back in an offensive position. Upon making contact with the individual, Harris struck him in the head several times with his fist and then with his elbow before removing the belt from his neck. Harris then slams the door closed which strikes the individual in the head. The individual then ceases to move and respond. Harris used his baton to rub the individual’s sternum in a forceful manner which causes the individual to respond. Harris then again slams the door on the individual’s head. The incident was recorded by Harris’ in vehicle camera as well as witnessed by an assisting officer. While at the jail, Harris attempted to strike the individual while he was handcuffed. Harris was terminated on August 9, 2024, for the excessive use of force. This is a violation of Rule 1034(1)(b)(iii), (viii), (vii), and Rule 1020. Jonesboro Police Department recommends decertification.
Full FOIA Request Response from DPS: 9.12.24_Joseph Harris Decertification Documents
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Run the guy out of Arkansas