On Friday, September 28, 2018, a complaint was made with the office of the Chief of Police that
Officer John Shipman had made a post that was insensitive on his personal Facebook page
concerning current media coverage of a national news event.

An internal affairs investigation that was ordered to investigate these allegations determined Officer
John Shipman violated:
• City of Jonesboro Handbook on Social Media.
• Police department policy 328, concerning Social Media.

Officer Shipman has been suspended for 30 days without pay effective this date.
In addition, the investigation looked at the sexual assault reports that officer Shipman had taken in
the past 10 years. The total was five. Four were reported rapes, and the fifth was a report on warrant
service on a sexual assault charge. The four cases were initial reports and were turned over to the
detective division for further investigation.
“Law enforcement employees bear the responsibility of maintaining their own conduct and the
integrity of the government entity they represent,” Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott said. “They are
expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring discredit upon them.”

“I expect the officers of this department to maintain the highest standard of integrity by working
diligently to maintain the community’s trust. Employees must recognize that they are held to a higher
standard than the private citizen. In addition to representing the department, they also represent the law
enforcement profession.”

“Conduct, on and off duty, must be beyond reproach and meet the highest degree of
professionalism and personal accountability. Employees of the Police Department are to respect the
rights of individuals and not engage in or tolerate discrimination, oppression or favoritism.”
“Officer Shipman’s comments compromised the integrity of the department and the public’s
confidence and trust.”

In addition to his suspension, Shipman will receive further training in dealing with victims of sexual
assault.