SMYRNA, Tenn. (WTVF) -- — A Smyrna Police officer has been suspended without pay after a complaint involving an interaction between a teenager and the officer.
The Town of Smyna announced Friday Officer James Hicks was suspended for 10 days without pay, along with being demoted as a field training officer. Hicks will also be required to participate in additional training.
A complaint was received Dec. 14 about an encounter that happened between Hicks and a juvenile in the area of Legacy subdivision on Dec. 1.
The teenager was stopped for questioning by Hicks after he was seen walking in an "unusually close proximity to private homes and porches," according to a news release.
Hicks failed to turn on his lapel microphone during the questioning of the teen. An assisting officer arrived later and recorded the rest of the questioning.
The disciplinary action was delivered against Hicks following an internal investigation. The investigation also showed Hicks failed to communicate with the teen's parent.
"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," according to release from the Town of Smyna.
