A Woodstock police officer was fired and three others have been placed on administrative leave as the department investigates allegations of illegal drug use.
Officer Michael Smart, Woodstock Police Department’s 2017 rookie of the year, was fired after officials received an anonymous tip that an officer used drugs, Assistant Chief Kevin Culpepper said in a news release.
Culpepper said there’s no reason to believe Smart was on duty at the time of the alleged drug use. He also said there’s nothing to indicate the drugs came from the department’s evidence room.
In January, Smart was commended in Woodstock's 2018 operating highlights for making 57 drug arrests last year. Only two other officers in the department had more, according to the report.
“The Woodstock Police Department is committed to thoroughness and transparency in investigating allegations of employee misconduct and want to assure the public that appropriate action will be taken when warranted,” the department said in a statement.
The names of the three suspended officers have not been released and it’s unclear what they’re accused of doing.
Culpepper said additional information will be released once the internal investigation is complete.
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