A West Memphis police officer is off the streets after being arrested in Memphis on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge, according to the West Memphis Police Department. The department identified the officer as Officer Jackson and said Jackson was relieved of duty effective immediately while the criminal case unfolds and an internal administrative investigation gets underway. WMPD stated it is waiting on the official incident report before making any additional decisions.
According to WREG, the arrest happened in Memphis, and the department said it “takes actions of any employee seriously” and would not comment further while the investigation remains active. The WREG report, authored by Deja Davis, was published on July 1.
Department already facing scrutiny
The arrest lands at an awkward time for the West Memphis Police Department, which has already been dealing with legal and personnel headaches. As reported by Action News 5, multiple lawsuits accuse the department of excessive force, cover ups, and retaliation, and several officers were placed on administrative leave during a sexual misconduct probe in 2025.
What happens next
WMPD says Jackson will remain off duty while the criminal charges are handled in Tennessee and while the department conducts its internal administrative review. As WREG noted, West Memphis is waiting for the official incident report before making any personnel calls. Separately, the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training can suspend or decertify officers after administrative proceedings, a step that could affect Jackson’s future in Arkansas law enforcement, according to Justia.
Legal note
Because the arrest took place in Memphis, the criminal case will move through Memphis and Shelby County courts. Domestic assault in Tennessee is prosecuted under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-111, which follows the state’s assault statutes and can be charged as a misdemeanor or, in aggravated situations, as a felony, depending on the facts. Courts set bond and court dates, and potential penalties depend on how the offense is classified and whether there are prior convictions, according to Justia.
The department has said it will not offer further comment while the investigation is active. Hoodline will update this story as court records and official statements become available.
