TIFS Investigates: Officials say false accusations to police on the rise across Arkansas

By Staff Reports

Fort Smith, AR – Recent incidents of false accusations reported to law enforcement agencies in Arkansas have raised concerns among officials and the public. These false reports not only waste valuable resources but also have serious legal consequences for those who file them.

Under Arkansas law, filing a false report with any law enforcement agency or prosecuting attorney’s office is a criminal offense.

According to Arkansas Code § 5-54-122, a person commits this offense if they knowingly file a report of alleged criminal wrongdoing that is false. Depending on the severity of the false accusation, the offense can be classified as either a Class D felony or a Class A misdemeanor.

In recent months, several high-profile cases have highlighted the issue. For instance, in Little Rock, a man was arrested after falsely accusing his neighbor of theft, leading to an extensive investigation that cost the police department over $1,000.

Similarly, in Fayetteville, a woman was charged with filing a false report after claiming she was assaulted by an unknown assailant, only to later admit she fabricated the story to cover up a personal matter.

Unfortunately, many false reports to law enforcement go unpunished due to local and county prosecutors' refusal to follow through with prosecution when such cases are presented to them by local law enforcement officials. Officials in Fort Smith and Sebastian County have shown an amazing reluctance to aid the victims of such false reports.

False reports not only undermine the justice system but also harm innocent individuals and strain community trust.

Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of truthful reporting and warn that false accusations can have far-reaching consequences, including wrongful arrests and the diversion of resources from genuine cases.

They urge the public to think carefully before making any allegations and to ensure they have accurate information.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity but are reminded of the legal and ethical responsibility to provide truthful information.