Two Dallas Police Officers Fired After Disciplinary Hearings
Introduction to the Incident
Two Dallas police officers facing criminal charges for unrelated cases were fired Thursday after disciplinary hearings, the latest in a string of terminations by Chief Daniel Comeaux this week.
Sr. Cpl. Joseph Robeson, who had been with the department for 16 years, and Officer Elijah Walker, who served for two, were fired for cause, the department said in a news release.
Response from the Officers and Their Attorneys
Robeson’s attorney, Robert Rogers, said Robeson intends to appeal. Attempts to reach Walker for comment Thursday afternoon were not immediately successful.
Related Incidents and Previous Firings
The firings mark the third and fourth announced by the department this week. Police Dispatch Analyst Kenyon Campbell and Officer Jason Brower were dismissed following disciplinary hearings on Wednesday, the department said in a news release, though neither face criminal charges.
Breaking News
Charges Against the Officers
In May, a Dallas County grand jury indicted Robeson on a charge of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair an investigation, a third-degree felony. The charge stems from a February 2024 incident, according to court records.
The charge was pending on Thursday. At the time the indictment was handed up, Rogers told The Dallas Morning News that Robeson had been accused of “mishandling a gun” that could’ve been involved in a crime.
Reasons for Termination
According to the Thursday release, Robeson was fired for taking evidence from a crime scene without authorization, engaging in “adverse conduct” when he was arrested, failing to fully investigate a shooting incident, violating the department’s off-duty employment policy and giving “untruthful statements” during an investigation.
Walker faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated after Euless police arrested him on June 10. His attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Walker was fired for engaging in “adverse conduct” when he was arrested, according to the Thursday release.
Officers’ Work History
Robeson and Walker have only ever worked at the Dallas Police Department as peace officers, according to state records.
Conclusion
The firings of Sr. Cpl. Joseph Robeson and Officer Elijah Walker are a significant development in the Dallas Police Department’s efforts to address misconduct and ensure accountability within its ranks. The department’s actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, even when it involves taking difficult decisions such as terminating the employment of officers who have engaged in adverse conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why were the two Dallas police officers fired?
The two Dallas police officers, Sr. Cpl. Joseph Robeson and Officer Elijah Walker, were fired after disciplinary hearings due to their involvement in unrelated cases that led to criminal charges. Robeson was accused of tampering with evidence, while Walker was charged with driving while intoxicated.
Q: What were the specific reasons for Robeson’s termination?
Robeson was fired for taking evidence from a crime scene without authorization, engaging in adverse conduct when he was arrested, failing to fully investigate a shooting incident, violating the department’s off-duty employment policy, and giving untruthful statements during an investigation.
Q: What were the specific reasons for Walker’s termination?
Walker was fired for engaging in adverse conduct when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Q: Have there been other firings in the department recently?
Yes, the firings of Robeson and Walker mark the third and fourth announced by the department this week, following the dismissals of Police Dispatch Analyst Kenyon Campbell and Officer Jason Brower on Wednesday.
Q: Can the officers appeal their terminations?
Yes, Robeson’s attorney has stated that he intends to appeal the termination. It is unclear at this time whether Walker will also appeal.
