On December 1, 2018, Officer James Hicks conducted an investigatory stop of a juvenile, leading to allegations of racial profiling. An internal investigation concluded that Hicks did not engage in racial profiling but failed to activate his recording equipment and did not communicate professionally with the juvenile’s mother. As a result, Hicks was suspended for ten days without pay, demoted from his position as a Field Training Officer, reassigned to administrative duty, and required to attend diversity training. Hicks filed a lawsuit against the Town of Smyrna, alleging deprivation of his liberty interest without due process and retaliation for filing the lawsuit. The court granted in part and denied in part the motion to dismiss his claims.
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