JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) — A case file reviewed by a prosecutor says that an Arkansas police recruit died of natural causes while attending a law enforcement academy where there are “concerning issues with the culture of the training program.”
The July death of Jonesboro Police Officer Vincent “Vinny” Parks was initially the subject of a criminal investigation by Arkansas State Police. The 38-year-old died on his first day of training at a training academy in North Little Rock. A medical examiner’s autopsy report later ruled that Parks’ death was an accident caused by a “sickle-cell” crisis related to physical exertion and heat distress. Heart disease and obesity might have also contributed to the accidental death.
An investigative file on his death revealed the “concerning issues with the culture” of the training facility, including “hazing” and a “lack of helpful cooperation in the investigation,” according to letter written Thursday by Pulaski County Prosecutor Larry Jegley to Arkansas State Police Col. Bill Bryant.
Jegley declined to detail the issues he referenced with the culture of the training program.
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