University Response to Special Prosecutor Ruling

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Special Prosecutor H.G. Foster has completed his independent review of criminal allegations against three University of Arkansas students who are members of the men’s basketball team. After examining all of the evidence in this case, including the negative test results from the Arkansas State Crime Lab of the DNA samples that were voluntarily provided by the three young men, the special prosecutor concluded that the evidence did not warrant the filing of criminal charges. The test results from the Arkansas State Crime Lab clearly demonstrate that these young men did not engage in the serious crimes of which they were accused.

The family of the accuser has questioned the manner in which the University of Arkansas Police Department conducts investigations. These questions are without basis. The University of Arkansas Police Department conducted a thorough investigation of this case as reflected by the separate and independent determinations of the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office and Special Prosecutor H.G. Foster.

On July 29, 1995, the UAPD obtained international accreditation as a law enforcement agency through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. At that time, UAPD became the first police department in the state of Arkansas to receive CALEA recognition for meeting the certifying organization’s rigorous standards and one of only 11 college and university police departments to meet such demanding standards. CALEA standards are recognized as the highest law enforcement standards throughout the world. The UAPD most recently achieved its reaccreditation in 2009 and is currently certified today, demonstrating the university’s commitment and dedication to excellence in the delivery of law enforcement services to the campus community.

Beyond accreditation, UAPD has a long history of investigating criminal allegations in a thorough and professional manner, without regard to the university affiliation of suspects. Two successive prosecutors have determined that no crime was committed in this case, and seeking to cast doubt on the work of UAPD does not change that result.

The university does not plan to make any further comments regarding this matter and refers all inquiries to the special prosecutor.