BALTIMORE — A former Chief Fiscal Officer for Baltimore Police has been terminated as they are a person of interest in a homicide investigation.
"We can confirm that this person who was chosen and hired by the Baltimore Police Department has been terminated," Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said. "As of actually, technically, yesterday and was interviewed today and is a person of interest in a homicide investigation."
Commissioner Harrison said Dana Hayes was on a gun offender registry in 2019 and a background check was done, and that those details were missed.
According to charging documents, in December 2018, police were called to the 200 block of West Saratoga Street for a fight about to begin between 10 to 15 men. Upon arrival, a crowd dispersed and no active fights were taking place.
Officers were advised that one of the individuals had removed a gun from his waistband, got into the passenger seat of a Kia and placed the weapon on the floor.
They were able to stop the vehicle shortly after and an officer advised units that he observed in plain view, a handgun lying on the passenger side floor of the vehicle. The passenger, later identified as Hayes was taken into custody while the driver of the vehicle stated he had no knowledge of the handgun.
After reviewing camera footage, Hayes is seen getting into the Kia and moving in a way that is indicative to him removing a weapon while being seated.
The handgun was found to be a stolen Pennsylvania State Police handgun.
Baltimore Police say the homicide investigation in which Hayes is a person of interest is ongoing. They did not state which homicide this was for.
Former Baltimore Police Deputy Commissioner Jason Johnson calls the hiring of Hayes a clear violation of the department’s protocols.
“It calls into question how carefully the department is vetting sworn police applicants as well as civilian employees,” he said.
Mayor Brandon Scott has ordered a comprehensive review of BPD’s civilian practices, but Johnson thinks there needs to be an outside investigation.
He believes it should also be released to the public.
“Right now, everyone is looking for a way to explain this to the public that does the least political damage to everyone,” Johnson said. “That’s not what the public needs. The public needs the truth.”
Mayor Brandon M. Scott released the following statement:
"Upon learning of a systems failure in the civilian hiring process at the Baltimore Police Department yesterday, Mayor Scott has directed Baltimore City Chief Human Capital Officer, Quinton Herbert, to perform a comprehensive review of BPD's civilian hiring practices and submit recommendations to improve their policies and procedures. Mayor Scott is committed to reforming HR practices throughout the City to ensure we hire only eligible and qualified candidates to fill these critical positions in city government."
