Citizen’s complaint and ‘serious’ allegations cause suspension of State Police trooper

A State Police trooper was suspended without pay last month following a citizen’s complaint. An investigation is underway, but officials are releasing little information about what led to the suspension.

Trooper Stephen P. Smith was placed on restricted duty on May 22, then suspended without pay on July 7. 

“The Department became aware of a citizen’s complaint, opened an internal affairs investigation, and placed the member alleged to be involved on restricted duty, and subsequently suspended him without pay,” a State Police spokesperson said in a statement. 

Smith’s law enforcement certification was set to expire on Aug. 2, according to records from the state’s police oversight agency, the POST Commission.

The Commission recently received his recertification application and determined that it needs additional time to make a decision.

As such, Smith has a certification status of “further certification review,” with an underlying status of “certified,” a spokesperson for the Commission said.

This status means that his current certification period has been extended until a final decision on the application is made.

State Police troopers can be administratively suspended without pay if they have had a criminal complaint or indictment issued against them, if officials have referred them to a prosecutorial agency for review, or if there are are “reasonable grounds” to believe that they have engaged in misconduct that violates the public trust, according to state law. Troopers who are suspended can seek a review of the suspension.

The State Police spokesperson did not specify what allegations Smith may be facing, but used strong language to condemn them. 

“The allegations made are serious and do not reflect the training or expectations of how Troopers should patrol the roads or engage with any person they meet in the performance of their duties. When the investigation concludes, the Department will take appropriate action,” the spokesperson said.