Former MPD Officer Loses Certification over Inappropriate Relationship and Theft of Service Weapon by a Teenager
MEMPHIS, Tenn – In an unprecedented decision Thursday afternoon, former Memphis Police Department officer, Demetrius Walker, was relieved of his service badge permanently. The move emerges following a scandal involving his service weapon that was stolen by a minor, with whom he had an inappropriate relationship. However, Walker insists that he is the actual victim in this scandal.
A Tale of Inappropriate Conduct
In March 2020, Demetrius Walker admitted to being in a sexual relationship with an underage teenager whom he met via the online dating app, Grinder. He confessed to engaging in sexual encounters with the minor twice, once in a disused apartment. Furthermore, he confessed that the teen stole his loaded service weapon and declined to return it.
In an attempt to cover up the weapon theft, Walker fabricated a narrative claiming an unidentified individual had stolen his gun. He made this fabrication while reporting the theft to the police via a 9-1-1 call.
A Plea for Mercy
Walker was summoned before the Tennesse Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission on Thursday. During this session, he attempted to plead his case in order to retain his state-wide certification. Walker had preemptively resigned from the police force a few months earlier, in June 2020. This resignation appeared just before a disciplinary hearing that was scheduled to determine his violation of police rules and regulations, which included untruthfulness and negligence in handling his firearm.
In a unanimous decision, the POST Commission voted to decertify Walker. After the proceeding, Walker expressed his dissatisfaction, claiming that the board had erred in its verdict. He asserted that he was the victim in the ordeal since he had lost his weapon and subsequently, his career.
Further Developments
Walker had also confessed to purchasing tobacco cigarettes for the underage teenager, but insisted he had been unaware of the minor’s true age. Despite this, the District Attorney decided against prosecuting him. At the time of the incident, Walker was 21 years old. He insists he has since matured and expressed regret over the loss of his certification.
Since leaving the police force, Walker has continued his career in the law enforcement sector. He is now employed as a corrections officer. His case was one of six cases of potential decertification involving former MPD officers being heard on Thursday.
Controversial and Unprecedented Decision
This high-profile case has caused a stir among the law enforcement community and the general public. The decision to permanently revoke Walker’s certification sheds light on the increasing emphasis on professionalism and code of conduct within the police force, particularly amid growing scrutiny and demands for police accountability.
