JACKSBORO, TX- The city manager of Jacksboro, Texas, Mike Smith, is facing calls for his removal from office from the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) and the Jacksboro Police Association “due to repeated retaliation, poor leadership, and misconduct.”
In a press release posted to social media, the TMPA alleged that Smith dismissed two police officers and the Police Chief after the manager’s alleged intoxication was documented at a city function on December 9th. The incident is reportedly under investigation by The Texas Rangers.
The release stated, "following protocol, one officer activated her body camera and alerted a Texas DPS Trooper. These actions adhered to department policy, and no laws or policies were violated to justify their suspension or the subsequent investigation.”
In the Facebook post, the TMPA added that Smith has also been accused of “unresolved officer pay issues and revoking benefits out of retaliation.”
The organizations have called for the Jacksboro mayor and city council to “reconsider the employment” of Smith following what they described as a pattern of “questionable decisions, retaliatory actions, and leadership failures,” according to KFDX/KJTL.
The outlet reported Thursday that Smith’s vehicle was pulled over later that day after leaving the city Christmas party. However, the city manager’s wife, who had not been drinking, was behind the wheel.
When approached by reporters from KFDX for comment Smith reportedly said it would be inappropriate for him to comment until after the Texas Rangers have completed their investigation.
In a statement issued Thursday reported by KAUZ, the TMPA said, “Accountability and transparency are fundamental principles in public service and law enforcement. TMPA and the Jacksboro Police Association demand immediate action to address these issues, restore integrity, and rebuild trust in city leadership.”
The Jacksboro Police Association shared the joint statement as well and urged “the mayor and city council to immediately call an emergency session and address this matter!”
In a press release posted to social media, the TMPA alleged that Smith dismissed two police officers and the Police Chief after the manager’s alleged intoxication was documented at a city function on December 9th. The incident is reportedly under investigation by The Texas Rangers.
The release stated, "following protocol, one officer activated her body camera and alerted a Texas DPS Trooper. These actions adhered to department policy, and no laws or policies were violated to justify their suspension or the subsequent investigation.”
In the Facebook post, the TMPA added that Smith has also been accused of “unresolved officer pay issues and revoking benefits out of retaliation.”
The organizations have called for the Jacksboro mayor and city council to “reconsider the employment” of Smith following what they described as a pattern of “questionable decisions, retaliatory actions, and leadership failures,” according to KFDX/KJTL.
The outlet reported Thursday that Smith’s vehicle was pulled over later that day after leaving the city Christmas party. However, the city manager’s wife, who had not been drinking, was behind the wheel.
When approached by reporters from KFDX for comment Smith reportedly said it would be inappropriate for him to comment until after the Texas Rangers have completed their investigation.
In a statement issued Thursday reported by KAUZ, the TMPA said, “Accountability and transparency are fundamental principles in public service and law enforcement. TMPA and the Jacksboro Police Association demand immediate action to address these issues, restore integrity, and rebuild trust in city leadership.”
The Jacksboro Police Association shared the joint statement as well and urged “the mayor and city council to immediately call an emergency session and address this matter!”
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