A Dallas Police Department employee has been terminated after allegations surfaced that she falsified her academic credentials to secure a promotion.
Gina Fowler-Strickland, who worked as a police report representative, was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing with the police chief on Thursday, Fox 4 reported. The department accused her of “engaging in adverse conduct.”
The accusations date back to June 2022 when Fowler-Strickland allegedly lied about holding a postsecondary degree to qualify for a promotion. A year later, she was charged with fraud for presenting what officials deemed a “fictitious degree.” Despite being summoned to court, she failed to appear, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant in September 2023. The warrant was later rescinded for undisclosed reasons.
Court records reveal that the charges against Fowler-Strickland were dismissed in November after she successfully completed a pre-trial intervention program. However, the Dallas Police Department moved forward with its disciplinary process, leading to her dismissal. The department has not released further details about the “adverse conduct” referenced in its statement.
Under Texas law, falsifying academic credentials to gain employment or promotions constitutes a Class B misdemeanor. This offense is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. While Fowler-Strickland avoided criminal penalties, the incident underscores the serious consequences of such actions in the professional sphere.
The Dallas Police Department has not provided a mugshot or additional comments regarding the case. Fowler-Strickland’s termination highlights the department’s stance on upholding integrity and accountability among its employees. Officials noted that the decision was based on conduct that violated the department’s ethical standards.