In a message that has since been deleted, a Black individual claimed that Sgt. Hatch was involved in a traffic stop that was handled poorly and may have been unlawful. The allegation has circulated online, prompting discussion, though no official findings have been announced.

The claims surfaced alongside a department post celebrating Hatch’s recent promotion. An 18-year veteran, Hatch has served as a patrol officer and field training officer, is the department’s firearms training coordinator, and a member of the Emergency Response Team. He was promoted to sergeant on January 1 and is set to supervise night-shift Squad 2, with his promotion scheduled to be recognized at an upcoming city council meeting.