DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – A Dothan Police Officer, Jeremy Wallace, has been terminated following an internal investigation that uncovered misconduct. On September 11, 2024, a concerned citizen reported suspicious activity involving Wallace while he was on duty outside of Dothan and Houston County.
The investigation found that Wallace “had engaged in conduct unbecoming a Dothan Police Officer as well as dereliction of duty for not intervening in illegal activity.” Following a due process hearing, Wallace was fired. Wallace appealed the decision to the City of Dothan Personnel Board, but his attorney, Preston Register, withdrew the appeal, and “by default, the termination of Wallace was upheld.”
Dothan Police Chief Benny expressed disappointment, stating, “The actions of this former officer fall well short of the expectations the citizens of the City of Dothan and I have for those wearing the Dothan Police Department uniform and will not be tolerated.” He emphasized that officers who fail to uphold their duty will be “held accountable according to City of Dothan Personnel Rules and Regulations as well as applicable law.”
Chief Benny also pointed out that while police officers are afforded Garrity Protections, which safeguard statements made during internal investigations from being used against them in court, these protections do not apply in Personnel Board appeal hearings.
The Dothan Police Department remains committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity among its officers.
