Trumann Officer in Use-of-Force Video No Longer With Police Department

TRUMANN, Ark. — Officer Will Tate is no longer employed by the Trumann Police Department following an internal review prompted by the circulation of a video showing a 2023 use of force incident.

Due to the totality of the circumstances, Officer Will Tate is no longer with the Trumann Police Department. The officer’s continued presence in the field has raised concerns among community members and stakeholders, indicating a substantial loss of trust. This dynamic compromises the department’s ability to effectively engage with the public and uphold its mission of service.

– Chief Jon Redman. full statement here

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The video, which was posted in the NEA Report News group on Facebook, appears to show Tate using force during a 2023 encounter involving a 70-year-old woman. At the time of the incident, Tate was not employed by the Trumann department, but the video’s circulation this week led to his placement on administrative leave while the department conducted a review.

In a follow-up statement, Chief Jonathan Redman acknowledged that such videos can be difficult for the public to watch, particularly when they capture moments of force used during high-stress or rapidly evolving situations.

“Use of force is never the desired outcome. It is always a last resort,” Redman said.

He emphasized that officers are trained to issue lawful commands and rely on voluntary compliance to resolve encounters peacefully. When compliance breaks down, he said, officers may be required to act decisively to ensure safety.

It was not clear if he was specifically referring to the video showing a 70-year-old woman walking away from then-JPD Officer Tate, who had not detained her.

In short, compliance with lawful orders is not optional. It is fundamental to a safe and orderly society. When compliance breaks down, officers must act—sometimes with force—to protect lives, uphold the law, and restore order.

– Chief Jon Redman, via Facebook

Redman also noted that video clips often capture only part of a situation and may not reflect the full context, including the behavior leading up to the incident or the perceived risks at the time.

In announcing Tate’s departure from the department, Redman cited concerns from community members and stakeholders, stating that the officer’s continued presence had compromised public trust and the department’s ability to carry out its mission.

No additional information has been released about the outcome of the internal review.

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a response to a Freedom of Information Act request, NEA Report obtained the two-year-old complaint filed by the woman against Tate, related to the incident seen on the aforementioned video.

PS 23-026 Lana Turner FOIA Complaint_Redacted