Central Texans are understandably getting more and more frustrated as Killeen's police force heads to jail.

According to a press release from the Killeen Police Department, 29-year-old Killeen Police Officer Laura Smith was arrested on Friday, July 30, 2021 for "Injury to a Child under 17," which is a felony charge. Smith has been with the Department since September 2018 and is currently on administrative leave with pay while an Internal Affairs investigation is completed.

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On July 28, a domestic disturbance is alleged to have occurred involving Smith. Investigators believe that a 5-year-old became a victim and was "recklessly injured" during the dispute. The incident is said to have happened while Smith was off-duty.  On July 30, 2021, Smith was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson who set her bond at $50,000.

Of course, as most are aware, only the most heinous kinds of people hurt the innocent who cannot defend themselves. While the public is outraged that Smith is still receiving pay, the Killeen Police Department states:

"The Killeen Police Department is a Civil Service Agency that must follow the local Civil Service Rules that outlines the due process procedures for allegations of misconduct. This process includes the affected employee’s pay status."

Chief Kimble stated, “We hold the officers of the Killeen Police Department to the highest standards, both on and off duty, and this incident will be fully investigated to ensure accountability. The Criminal Investigation will be handled in accordance to Texas laws in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office. The Police Department has initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to follow the due process procedure set forth by Civil Service Rules.”

It seems like the trust for local law enforcement is dwindling quickly as more and more officers are arrested within our community. If officers can't keep themselves safe or out of trouble, how can we expect them to serve and protect the city?

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