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Arkansas State Police
View on Wikipedia| Arkansas State Police | |
|---|---|
Patch | |
Logo | |
Badge | |
| Common name | Arkansas State Police |
| Abbreviation | ASP |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | March 19, 1935 |
| Employees | 949 (as of July 2024) [1] |
| Legal personality | Governmental: Government agency |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Arkansas, USA |
| Map of Arkansas State Police's jurisdiction | |
| Size | 53,179 square miles (137,730 km2) |
| Population | 2,834,797 (2007 est.)[2] |
| Legal jurisdiction | |
| Governing body | Government of Arkansas |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| State Troopers | 586 (authorized, as of 2022)[3] |
| Civilians | 384 (as of Oct 2023)[1] |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | Arkansas Department of Public Safety |
| Facilities | |
| Troops | 12 |
| Notables | |
| People |
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| Website | |
| Arkansas State Police | |
The Arkansas State Police is a state police division of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety and is responsible for enforcing motor vehicle laws, traffic laws, and criminal laws. The Arkansas State Police serves as an assisting agency to local law enforcement agencies within the State of Arkansas and has statewide authority to conduct law enforcement activities, criminal investigations, and crimes against children investigations.[4]
History
[edit]The Arkansas State Police was created on 19 March 1935 through Act 120 of 1935, which was passed by the Arkansas General Assembly and signed into law by the 30th Governor of Arkansas J.M. Futrell. Upon the creation of the Arkansas State Police in 1935, the agency consisted of approximately thirteen Rangers who were charged with enforcing liquor laws and traffic laws. From its creation in 1935, the Arkansas State Police has been an assisting agency to local law enforcement agencies.[5]
State Police Commission
[edit]The Arkansas State Police Commission is made up of seven members, appointed by the Governor of Arkansas with the advice and consent of the Arkansas Senate for seven year terms. The commission is responsible for the overall control of the Arkansas State Police.
Current Commissioners:[6]
- Chairman: Jim Hinkle of Conway, Arkansas
- Vice-chair: Ken Reeves of Harrison, Arkansas
- Secretary: Neff Basore of Bella Vista, Arkansas
- Member: Mike Akin of Monticello, Arkansas
- Member: Steve Edwards of Marianna, Arkansas
- Member: Jeffery Teague of Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Member: John Allison of Conway, Arkansas
Organization
[edit]- Arkansas Governor - Sarah Huckabee Sanders[7]
- Arkansas Department of Public Safety Secretary - Mike Hagar[8]
- Administrative Services - Major Roby Rhoads[11]
- The Administrative Services consists of two of the Division's largest sections, recruiting and training, in addition, Human Resources services for the more than 900 State Police employees. The Arkansas State Police Recruiting Office collects the initial contact forms of all potential recruits and prepares the next generation of State Police Recruits who may enter the department's Training Academy. The training officers assigned to the division develop and teach both curriculum for new recruits as well as in-service training for incumbent Troopers.[11]
Highway Patrol
[edit]The Highway Patrol Division is the uniformed division of the Arkansas State Police. It is headquartered at One State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Criminal Investigations
[edit]- Criminal Investigations - Major Stacie Rhoads - Commander
- Special Agents assigned to Criminal Investigations, investigate criminal cases initiated by both the Arkansas State Police and local law enforcement agencies.
| Company | Station | Counties Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Company A | Little Rock, Arkansas | Crittenden, Cross, Faulkner, Lee, Lonoke, Monroe, Phillips, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, St. Francis, and Woodruff |
| Company B | Pine Bluff, Arkansas | Arkansas, Ashely, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, and Lincoln |
| Company C | Hope, Arkansas | Clark, Columbia, Garland, Grant, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Montgomery, Nevada, Pike, Polk, and Sevier |
| Company D | Fort Smith, Arkansas | Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Madison, Scott, Sebastian, and Washington |
| Company E | Harrison, Arkansas | Baxter, Boone, Conway, Fulton, Izard, Johnson, Marion, Newton, Perry, Pope, Searcy, Stone, Van Buren, and Yell |
| Company F | Jonesboro, Arkansas | Clay, Cleburne, |Craighead, Greene, Independence, Jackson, Lawrence, Mississippi, Poinsett, Randolph, Sharp, and White |
Crimes Against Children
[edit]- Crimes Against Children - Major Jeffrey Drew - Commander[15]
- Crimes Against Children - Kalika Rogers - Investigations Administrator[15]
- Crimes Against Children - Dan Mack - Hotline Administrator[15]
- Investigators assigned to the Crimes Against Children, investigate child maltreatment and criminal cases involving juveniles along with local law enforcement agencies.
Rank structure
[edit]| Title | Insignia | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Director (Colonel) | Director holds the Rank of Colonel, appointed by the Governor of Arkansas to be the professional head of the Department | |
| Deputy Director (Lieutenant Colonel) | Deputy Director holds the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel, second-in-command of department and second highest ranked commissioned officer in the department. | |
| Major | A Major is responsible for serving as a Highway Patrol Regional Commander, as the Criminal Investigations Commander, as the Crimes Against Children Commander, or as the Administrative Services Division Commander of the Highway Patrol | |
| Captain | A Captain is responsible for serving as a Highway Patrol Troop Commander, Criminal Investigation Division Regional Commander or other upper-level administrative and managerial staff position. | |
| Lieutenant | A Lieutenant is responsible for serving as a Highway Patrol Troop Assistant Commander, Criminal Investigation Division Company Commander or supervising a specialized function with the State Police | |
| Sergeant | A Sergeant holds First supervisory rank, responsible for overseeing and supervising Troopers and non-commissioned personnel in the performance of their duties | |
| Corporal | Rank attained by Trooper First Class after completion of 7 years of service. May supervise Troopers in the performance of their duties in absence of a sergeant. | |
| Trooper First Class | Rank attained by Trooper after completion of 4+1⁄2 years of service. | |
| Trooper | Rank attained by Recruits upon successful completion of the training academy, responsible for field law enforcement patrol or specialized or technical law enforcement function. | |
| Cadet | A Cadet is a new recruit, and is the rank held by all personnel while assigned as a student at the training academy. These personnel do not wear rank insignia. |
Incidents
[edit]- In 1992, state troopers executed a search warrant without knocking and announcing themselves. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the action violated the Fourth Amendment in Wilson v. Arkansas.[16]
- In 1993, several state troopers claimed that they assisted then Governor Bill Clinton to cover extramarital affairs in what became known as "Troopergate".[17] No official state inquiry was performed.
- On March 7, 2006, trooper Larry P. Norman fatally shot Joseph Erin Hamley, an unarmed man with cerebral palsy as he lay on his back.[18] On June 28, 2007, Norman pleaded guilty to negligent homicide based on the dashcam footage and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 30 days of community service, one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine.[19] Norman served 54 days of his jail sentence.[20] The Arkansas State Police settled a lawsuit on March 5, 2007, with the victim's family for one million dollars.[21]
- In July 2020, Senior Cpl. Rodney Dunn performed a PIT maneuver against a pregnant woman during a traffic stop. Shortly thereafter, the woman filed a lawsuit against the department, claiming that she was in the process of pulling over, and that the actions of Dunn were reckless and nearly killed her and her unborn child. The Arkansas State Police has defended the trooper's actions and argue neither he nor the department bear any responsibility for the incident.[22] The Arkansas State Police and the woman have settled the lawsuit in November 2021.[23]
In popular culture
[edit]- The third season of HBO's True Detective depicted Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff as Arkansas State Police detectives.
- In the 1973 film White Lightning starring Burt Reynolds, the Arkansas State Police are seen pursuing Reynolds bootlegging character, Gator McKlusky.
Notables
[edit]- Wayne Hays (fictional)
- Tommy F. Robinson
- Dwight Tosh
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b USDOJ Statistics Archived 2008-11-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "2007 Population Estimates". Archived from the original on 2010-11-08. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
- ^ "Arkansas State Police needs starting salary boost to keep officers, agency director tells lawmakers | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette". 19 January 2022.
- ^ Arkansas Code Annotated § 12-8-106
- ^ Arkansas State Police Website
- ^ Arkansas State Police Commissioners
- ^ "Arkansas Governor SHS".
- ^ "Get to Know the Secretary".
- ^ "Director".
- ^ a b "Deputy Director".
- ^ a b c "Administrative Services".
- ^ "Employment".
- ^ "Personnel".
- ^ "Arkansas State Police Recruitment Plan - Equal Employment Opportunity Policy" (PDF). 2020.
- ^ a b c "Crimes Against Children".
- ^ Oyez article about the case
- ^ "Troopers Say Clinton Sought Silence on Personal Affairs", Los Angeles Times, December 21, 1993.
- ^ "Officers Mistakenly Shoot Young Man With Disabilities As He Lay On His Back". Retrieved 13 February 2016.
- ^ "Former trooper sentenced for shooting of disabled Springdale man". Arkansas Online. 28 June 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
- ^ "Ex-Trooper Larry Norman Released From Jail". Archived from the original on 2013-02-04. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ^ "Inclusion Daily Express -- State Police Agrees To Pay $1 Million To Erin Hamley's Estate". Retrieved 13 February 2016.
- ^ "FOX 16 Investigates: Woman files lawsuit hoping for policy change surrounding PIT maneuvers". KLRT - FOX16.com. 2021-06-04. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
- ^ "Arkansas State Police settles PIT maneuver lawsuit which injured pregnant woman". KARK. 2021-11-19. Retrieved 2022-08-07.
External links
[edit]Arkansas State Police
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and Early Development
The Arkansas State Police was established on March 19, 1935, through Act 120 of the Arkansas General Assembly, signed into law by Governor Junius Marion Futrell as the Chrip-Carter bill. This legislation created the agency initially as the Arkansas State Rangers, comprising 13 officers— including 7 designated rangers—tasked with enforcing state laws, particularly liquor regulations in the wake of Prohibition's end, conducting criminal investigations, and addressing traffic safety issues upon request from local authorities.[10][11][12] Early operations emphasized supplemental support to under-resourced county and municipal forces rather than independent patrols, with the Rangers maintaining a limited statewide presence amid Arkansas's rural landscape and fragmented local policing. The force's jurisdiction extended to suppressing organized crime, bootlegging, and highway hazards, reflecting causal pressures from rising automobile use and post-Depression lawlessness that local entities could not adequately handle.[11] By 1945, Act 231 restructured the agency, abolishing the original State Police Department and formalizing the Department of Arkansas State Police with improved governance and funding mechanisms. This reorganization facilitated growth, culminating in over 65 officers by 1948, including dedicated highway patrol units—where personnel adopted the "trooper" title—and a criminal investigation division, enabling broader enforcement of traffic laws and felony probes as vehicle registrations and road infrastructure expanded.[13][11]Expansion Through the Mid-20th Century
The Arkansas State Police experienced substantial reorganization in 1945 under Act 231, which abolished the original department established in 1935 and created the contemporary Department of Arkansas State Police, thereby formalizing its structure and expanding its statewide enforcement authority.[14][15] This legislative change integrated broader responsibilities beyond initial traffic enforcement, including general criminal investigations and highway safety, amid post-World War II demands for enhanced public order and infrastructure protection.[16] By the late 1940s, personnel had increased from the initial dozen officers in 1935 to approximately 40 by mid-decade, with further growth enabling the establishment of dedicated divisions for highway patrol and criminal investigation.[16] These developments reflected practical necessities driven by rising vehicle registrations and interstate commerce in Arkansas, necessitating more robust patrolling and investigative capabilities across rural and urban areas. The adoption of the "trooper" title during this period standardized uniforms and ranks, aligning the force with national state police models while emphasizing mobility and rapid response.[16] The 1950s marked accelerated expansion, including the introduction of a troop-based organizational structure that divided the state into regional units for improved coverage and operational efficiency.[16] Officer numbers rose to around 150 by 1959, supported by state investments in vehicles, communications equipment, and training to address growing traffic fatalities and crime rates.[16] Additional responsibilities encompassed driver's licensing oversight, reflecting legislative expansions in motor vehicle regulations, and preparations for civil defense roles amid Cold War tensions. Under Governor Orval Faubus, the force doubled in size by 1957 with the explicit goal of stationing a trooper in every county, enhancing local deterrence and response times.[16] This period also saw the creation of the Arkansas State Police Commission in 1953, providing civilian oversight to guide recruitment and resource allocation.[17]Modern Era and Reforms
In the late 1960s and 1970s, the Arkansas State Police underwent significant expansion to address growing demands from interstate highway enforcement, civil unrest, and criminal investigations, with trooper deployments increasing amid events such as prison operations and desegregation efforts.[18] The agency actively recruited minorities and women during this period to diversify its ranks, reflecting broader societal shifts and operational needs for broader community engagement.[19] By the mid-1970s, these changes marked a pivot toward a more comprehensive statewide policing model, incorporating specialized units for emerging threats like organized crime. The 1980s and 1990s saw the Arkansas State Police intensify focus on drug interdiction, establishing annual marijuana eradication programs and leveraging highway patrols for narcotics seizures, which evolved into a core operational strength amid national drug epidemics.[20] This era's reforms emphasized proactive traffic enforcement on Interstates 40 and 30, contributing to major seizures such as those documented in federal cases involving methamphetamine transport.[21] Personnel training expanded to include advanced investigative techniques, laying groundwork for interagency collaborations that persist today. In the 21st century, reforms under the Department of Public Safety have prioritized technological integration, fiscal efficiency, and enhanced training, including IT upgrades like the ACIC Messenger 4.0 system and deployment of crime scene scanners.[22] Initiatives such as the 2019 Transformation Action Team drove process improvements, yielding savings like $43,801 in equipment warranties for the State Police, alongside trooper salary increases from $42,357 to $54,000 funded by legislative action.[22] Modern training encompasses crisis intervention, less-lethal munitions, and technology tactics like robotics, while programs like *ASP (dial *277) provide roadside assistance via partnerships with cellular providers and the Department of Transportation.[23] These efforts, informed by 2020 task force recommendations, aim to bolster operational resilience against evolving threats including narcotics trafficking, with 2024 seizures exceeding 15,000 pounds of illegal marijuana.[24][25]Governance and Oversight
State Police Commission
The Arkansas State Police Commission is a statutory body composed of seven members appointed by the Governor of Arkansas, subject to Senate confirmation, to provide governance and oversight for the Arkansas State Police division.[26] Membership requires at least one appointee from each of the state's four congressional districts, with the remaining three selected at large; terms last seven years, and vacancies are filled for the unexpired portion.[26] Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-8-103, the commission approves or disapproves all promotions, nondisciplinary demotions, and nondisciplinary transfers within the division; it also establishes rules governing discipline of commissioned officers, hears appeals of such actions, and conducts related personnel reviews.[27] The Governor must confer with the commission prior to appointing the Director of the Arkansas State Police, ensuring alignment between executive leadership and commission input on division operations.[28] The commission holds regular meetings at Arkansas State Police headquarters in Little Rock to deliberate on these matters, including approval of promotion recommendations across operational divisions and adjudication of appeals, such as those involving disciplinary decisions against officers.[29][30] In its oversight capacity, the body focuses on statutory compliance, personnel integrity, and resource allocation, as detailed in annual division reports.[31]Director and Executive Leadership
The Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP) is appointed by the Governor of Arkansas and holds the commissioned rank of colonel, serving at the pleasure of the governor. The director functions as the chief executive officer, overseeing all agency divisions, enforcing departmental policies, and maintaining accountability for operational performance across approximately 384 sworn personnel as of October 2023. This position integrates with the broader Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS), where the ASP director concurrently serves as DPS Secretary, coordinating with other public safety entities like the state highway patrol and emergency services.[5][2] Colonel Mike Hagar has held the directorship since his swearing-in on January 13, 2023, following nomination by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in December 2022. Hagar, a career ASP officer since July 1996, advanced through ranks including captain and commander of the agency's Executive Protection Detail, which safeguards state officials. His leadership emphasizes operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration, as evidenced by briefings to legislative committees on enforcement priorities like wildlife violations in August 2025.[32][33][34] Supporting the director are two deputy directors, both holding the rank of lieutenant colonel, who manage distinct operational spheres. Lieutenant Colonel Mike Kennedy oversees Administrative Operations, encompassing headquarters functions, budget allocation, personnel administration, and support services for the agency's 12 troops statewide. Lieutenant Colonel Jason Aaron directs Field Operations, supervising frontline activities such as highway patrol, criminal investigations, and specialized units across ASP's geographic districts. Aaron assumed this role following promotion from major in a process approved by the State Police Commission, reflecting internal advancement based on tenure and performance evaluations.[4][35][36] These executive roles report directly to the director and are subject to oversight by the Arkansas State Police Commission, which confirms promotions and reviews policy directives to ensure alignment with statutory mandates under Arkansas Code Title 12, Chapter 8. Executive leadership transitions historically occur with gubernatorial changes, prioritizing candidates with extensive internal experience to minimize disruptions in core functions like traffic enforcement and public safety coordination.[37]Organizational Structure
Divisions and Operational Units
The Arkansas State Police is structured into five primary divisions, each overseen by a commander at the rank of major or lieutenant colonel, reporting to deputy directors for field and administrative operations.[38][39] These divisions encompass core enforcement, investigative, support, and regulatory functions, with specialized operational units integrated across them to address specific public safety needs. The reorganization into these divisions occurred in 2010 to streamline operations amid growing demands for traffic enforcement, criminal probes, and administrative efficiency.[40] The Highway Patrol Division focuses on traffic law enforcement, highway safety, and general patrol duties across Arkansas's roadways. It operates through ten geographically defined troops (designated A through J), each commanded by a captain and staffed by troopers responsible for a specific region—for instance, Troop A covers central counties including Pulaski, while Troop J serves northwest areas like Benton and Washington counties.[41][37] This structure enables rapid response to incidents, with troops maintaining posts in key locations such as Little Rock for headquarters and regional detachments in cities like Fort Smith and Hope.[37] The Criminal Investigation Division handles complex criminal probes, assisting local agencies with major felonies, narcotics enforcement, and organized crime. Key operational units include the Interstate Criminal Patrol Unit for drug interdiction on interstates and the Cold Case Unit for revisiting unsolved homicides.[38][23] The division also deploys the department-wide Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, composed of troopers from multiple divisions, trained for high-risk warrants, barricades, and tactical entries using specialized equipment and techniques.[23] Additionally, the Air Support Unit provides aerial surveillance and transport via helicopters for pursuits and search operations.[23] The Crimes Against Children Division specializes in offenses targeting minors, including exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. It incorporates the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which investigates online predation and digital evidence recovery in coordination with federal partners.[38][23] This division's focused mandate allows for dedicated resources in forensic interviewing and victim support, distinct from general criminal investigations to prioritize child welfare cases.[39] The Administrative Services Division manages internal operations, including personnel management for over 1,000 commissioned and civilian staff, budget allocation, and logistical support. It houses the Training Division, which oversees the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy for recruit certification, in-service courses, and specialized instruction in firearms, defensive tactics, and legal updates.[42][23] The Regulatory and Building Operations Division administers licensing and compliance programs, such as private investigator and security firm certifications, alarm system permits, used motor vehicle dealer oversight, and processing of traffic crash reports. This division ensures regulatory enforcement through inspections and audits, maintaining public records for approximately 10,000 annual crash incidents statewide.[43]Facilities and Resources
The Arkansas State Police maintains its central headquarters at One State Police Plaza Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas, which houses administrative offices, the Director's staff, and key operational units including the Highway Patrol command.[37] This facility supports statewide coordination of law enforcement activities, criminal investigations, and public safety initiatives.[2] The Highway Patrol Division operates through 12 regional troops, each with dedicated headquarters facilities distributed across Arkansas to ensure localized enforcement and response capabilities.[41] Examples include Troop A at the Little Rock headquarters, Troop B at 3200 Highway 367 North in Newport, and Troop L at 1120 West Monroe Avenue in Lowell, with additional troops covering areas such as Harrison (Troop I) and Forrest City (Troop D).[37] [44] [45] Specialized facilities under the broader Department of Public Safety umbrella, utilized by the State Police for investigations and training, include the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory at 3 Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock, established in 1977 to provide forensic services such as serology, toxicology, and physical evidence analysis.[46] [47] A new 190,000-square-foot crime laboratory facility in North Little Rock broke ground on June 6, 2025, with completion projected for summer 2027 to address capacity and technological needs.[48] Training resources are accessed via the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, with Central ALETA in Benton offering basic and advanced courses in areas like firearms, defensive tactics, and criminal investigation.[49] Key resources include a fleet of 1,157 vehicles at the start of 2024, with 95 additions during the year to support patrol, investigations, and specialized operations; this includes low-profile cruisers deployed for traffic enforcement.[31] [50] The Air Support Unit operates fixed-wing aircraft (one Cessna 206 and one Beechcraft B200 King Air) and rotary-wing assets (one Bell 407 helicopter, registration N524SP) for aerial surveillance, pursuits, searches, and transport, maintained by a full-time crew.[51] [52]Personnel and Training
Rank Structure and Advancement
The Arkansas State Police (ASP) employs a hierarchical rank structure typical of state police agencies, with commissioned officers progressing from entry-level trooper positions to executive leadership. The highest rank is Colonel, held by the Director, who is appointed by the Governor and serves as the professional head of the department.[5] Immediately subordinate are two Deputy Directors, each holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, overseeing administrative operations and field operations, respectively.[39] [53] Division commanders and other senior roles are filled by Majors and Captains, followed by Lieutenants and Sergeants in supervisory capacities.[38] Entry-level commissioned ranks begin with Trooper, awarded upon successful completion of the ASP Academy, followed by Trooper First Class and Corporal for non-supervisory field personnel.[53] Additional specialized designations, such as Trainer, exist for experienced troopers providing instruction.[54] The structure emphasizes a chain of command from the Director through deputies to division-level Majors or Captains, who report to field operations leadership.[38] Advancement within the ASP combines time-in-service milestones with competitive processes for supervisory roles. New troopers receive automatic promotions to Trooper First Class after 4.5 years of service and to Corporal after 7.5 years, based on performance and tenure without requiring examination.[53] Promotions to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel are merit-based, involving testing, evaluations, and recommendations from the Director, subject to approval by the Arkansas State Police Commission.[53] [55] The Director's appointment bypasses internal promotion, relying on gubernatorial selection rather than departmental testing.[5] This system prioritizes operational experience for lower ranks while incorporating oversight for higher leadership to ensure alignment with state priorities.[29]Recruitment Standards and Academy Training
Applicants for Arkansas State Police trooper positions must meet stringent minimum qualifications designed to ensure candidates possess the necessary physical, mental, and moral fitness for high-risk duties. These include being a United States citizen, at least 20 years of age upon application (reaching 21 by recruit school graduation), possessing a valid driver's license, and holding a high school diploma or equivalent GED.[56][53] Vision standards require binocular vision with normal color and depth perception, 140 degrees of peripheral vision, and uncorrected acuity of 20/100 (correctable to 20/20).[53] Criminal history disqualifiers encompass any felony convictions or misdemeanor domestic violence offenses, while visible tattoos on the neck, hands, head, or face are prohibited, and arm tattoos must be concealable with the uniform.[53] The hiring process begins with submission of an online application through the Arkansas state careers portal, followed by a series of assessments to evaluate suitability. Candidates undergo the Arkansas Physical Agility Test (ARPAT) at the ASP Training Facility in Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, which tests strength, endurance, and agility through events such as push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5-mile run, and an obstacle course.[57][53] Subsequent steps include a written aptitude examination, polygraph testing to verify background statements, a comprehensive background investigation, an oral interview panel, drug screening, and medical and psychological evaluations to confirm physical health and mental resilience.[57][53] Final approval by the ASP Commission leads to a conditional offer of hire, with recruits beginning salary upon reporting to the academy.[57] Selected recruits attend the Arkansas State Police Training Academy at ASP Headquarters in Little Rock, a rigorous program emphasizing professional development in law enforcement tactics, firearms proficiency, defensive driving, legal procedures, and physical conditioning.[53] For non-certified applicants, the full academy lasts 21 weeks, structured in phases of indoctrination (orientation and basic skills), development (core training), competence (advanced application), and evaluation (assessments and graduation requirements); certified officers with prior law enforcement experience complete a condensed 12-week course.[53] The academy provides on-site housing and meals, with daily physical training sessions to build endurance and operational readiness, exceeding the state's basic 520-hour police training minimum to align with ASP's elevated operational demands.[53][58] Graduates proceed to field training with a seasoned officer for several weeks, applying academy knowledge in real-world patrols before independent assignment.[53]Operations and Responsibilities
Highway Patrol and Traffic Enforcement
The Highway Patrol Division of the Arkansas State Police enforces traffic laws on state highways and interstates, responds to traffic crashes, investigates highway-related crimes, and promotes public safety through visible patrols and targeted enforcement operations.[41][59] Troopers conduct routine patrols to detect violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and impaired operation, while also providing emergency assistance and traffic control during incidents.[41] In addition to core enforcement, the division coordinates driver's license examinations, with each troop commander scheduling regular testing sessions across assigned counties to ensure compliance with licensing standards.[41] Organized into 12 troops (A through L) headquartered across Arkansas, the division provides statewide coverage, with troops aligned to specific geographic regions for efficient response and enforcement.[37] For instance, Troop A operates from Little Rock, covering central counties, while other troops handle rural and border areas.[37] This structure enables localized traffic management, including weigh station oversight coordination and multi-agency saturation patrols targeting high-risk behaviors like speeding during holiday periods.[60][61] In fiscal year 2024, the Arkansas State Police recorded 77,870 hazardous violation arrests, including 68,334 for speeding and 1,766 for reckless driving, alongside 97,943 non-hazardous citations such as 30,821 for driver's license violations and 28,299 for lack of insurance.[31] Troopers responded to or received reports on 83,296 traffic crashes, supporting investigations through specialized units like the Crash Reconstruction Team, which handled 64 requests and utilized drones for 176 missions.[31] These efforts contributed to broader public safety outcomes, with the division also logging 17 air support flights dedicated to traffic enforcement.[31] The division participates in proactive campaigns, such as joint operations with local agencies yielding 253 citations and 59 arrests—including six for driving while intoxicated—in a five-day saturation effort focused on impaired driving and weapons interdiction.[60] Annual speeding citation trends show increases, with troopers issuing 4,070 in targeted periods during 2022 and 4,340 in 2023, reflecting heightened enforcement amid rising violation rates.[61] These activities prioritize deterrence through data-driven patrols, emphasizing empirical reductions in hazardous behaviors over discretionary leniency.[62]Criminal Investigations and Specialized Enforcement
The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of the Arkansas State Police conducts investigations into major felonies, including homicides, narcotics offenses, and other non-traffic crimes, often at the request of local agencies or initiated independently by state police. Special agents within CID handle cases spanning violent crimes, property offenses, and specialized threats, with a focus on evidence collection, suspect apprehension, and collaboration with prosecutors. In fiscal year 2024, CID opened 1,608 cases and closed 960, resulting in 1,326 felony arrests and 132 misdemeanor arrests across categories such as 182 homicides or deaths, 134 child pornography incidents, and 175 narcotics investigations.[31] CID operates through six regional companies (A through F), each commanded by a lieutenant and stationed to cover specific areas of Arkansas, such as Company A in Little Rock under Lt. Jason Martin and Company B in Pine Bluff under Lt. Morris Knight, enabling responsive deployment for statewide coverage. The division, led by Major Stacie Rhoads with assistant commanders Capt. Randall Murphy and Capt. Larry Joe Carter, integrates specialized enforcement to address complex threats beyond routine patrols.[63][31] Key specialized units include the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which targets white-collar crimes such as fraud and embezzlement while participating in federal task forces with agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and FBI's ARKTRUST operation. The Human Trafficking Unit coordinates multidisciplinary efforts to identify and prosecute traffickers, partnering with the Arkansas Human Trafficking Council to recover victims; in 2024, this yielded recovery of 82 high-risk missing children, identification of over 300 victims, and operations like HART (30 victims rescued), HOPE (25 victims, including 3 minors), and BRIGHT (79 victims, 2 minors).[64][31] The Cold Case Unit, established in 2020, actively reviews unsolved homicides and missing persons cases to apply modern forensic techniques and maintain investigative momentum.[65] In internet-related child exploitation, CID's efforts overlap with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, processing 6,825 cybertips in 2024, conducting 758 investigations, securing 240 arrests, and identifying 77 child victims. The Arkansas State Police also maintains a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, designated as a Level 1 unit by the Department of Homeland Security—the highest elite classification—for high-risk operations including barricaded suspects, hostage rescues, and counterterrorism, drawing members from across ASP divisions for specialized tactical response. Drug enforcement remains a core function, with dedicated narcotics probes contributing to broader interdiction efforts.[66][31][23]Support and Administrative Functions
The Arkansas State Police organizes its support and administrative functions under the Deputy Director for Administrative Operations, a Lieutenant Colonel position that oversees non-enforcement divisions including Administrative Services and Regulatory & Building Operations.[39] These units provide essential backend support for the agency's 1,000-plus sworn and civilian personnel, handling logistics, personnel management, and compliance to enable field operations.[38] [39] The Administrative Services Division, commanded by a Major, primarily manages human resources operations, encompassing recruiting, hiring, promotions, and all personnel-related functions such as benefits administration and employee records.[67] This division supports daily administrative needs across the agency, relying on approximately 400 full-time and part-time civilian employees dedicated to clerical, fiscal, and logistical roles that free sworn officers for enforcement duties.[42] [67] Complementary support falls under the Regulatory & Building Operations Division, also led by a Major, which coordinates specialized administrative tasks including training and recruiting programs, fleet operations, maintenance and inmate services, public affairs, legal counsel, and the Office of Professional Standards for internal accountability.[39] Additional functions encompass information technology for data connectivity across headquarters, troop locations, and satellite offices; crash records management; concealed handgun licensing; and highway safety coordination.[40] [39] These elements ensure regulatory compliance, resource allocation, and operational continuity, with subunits like the Identification Bureau's AFIS system aiding forensic and records support.[39] Overall, these functions emphasize efficiency in resource stewardship, with civilian staffing reducing costs associated with uniformed personnel in non-core roles, as evidenced by state fiscal reporting on personnel distribution.[67] The structure reflects a hierarchical chain where division commanders report to the deputy director, integrating administrative oversight with the Director's executive authority.[5] [39]Achievements and Public Safety Impact
Notable Operations and Seizures
The Arkansas State Police's Interstate Criminal Patrol (ICP) has achieved substantial success in highway interdiction, particularly along Interstate 40, a major corridor for drug trafficking, resulting in the removal of thousands of pounds of narcotics and millions in illicit currency from circulation.[68] These operations typically stem from traffic enforcement stops that uncover concealed contraband through canine detection, vehicle searches, and investigative techniques.[69] In 2023, the ASP recorded 138 significant seizures totaling over 11,000 pounds of illegal drugs, including marked increases in cocaine and marijuana, alongside $1.4 million in cash.[68] A standout operation involved the discovery of a record 276 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $10 million on the street, hidden in a commercial cargo trailer during a routine stop.[70] Another notable bust seized 146 pounds of cocaine, estimated at $6.5 million, further demonstrating the scale of interdictions targeting high-value shipments.[71] Building on this, 2024 seizures escalated, with over 15,000 pounds of illegal marijuana confiscated and cash recoveries doubling to $3.3 million; methamphetamine hauls surged from 56 pounds in 2023 to 509 pounds.[24] Early 2025 operations included a May traffic stop on I-40 yielding 36 pounds of fentanyl and 86 pounds of cocaine from four concealed boxes in a truck cab.[72] Just weeks later in June, two stops within 24 hours netted over 300 pounds of assorted illegal narcotics.[73] These efforts earned the ICP Agency of the Year honors from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area in 2024, recognizing seizures of narcotics valued at $32.25 million, underscoring Arkansas's role in disrupting national trafficking networks.[69]Awards, Recognitions, and Statistical Outcomes
The Arkansas State Police annually recognizes exemplary service through awards such as the Trooper of the Year, conferred at departmental ceremonies. In 2024, Trooper Ana Escamilla of the Interstate Criminal Patrol received the award for outstanding criminal interdiction efforts.[31] Previous recipients include Trooper Levi Fleming in an annual ceremony highlighting top honors for investigative and patrol work, and Trooper Austin Duncan for 2023 achievements in enforcement operations.[9][74] In May 2025, Corporals Dustin Carpenter, Christopher Barnett, and Marcus Simpson were jointly named Troopers of the Year for combined contributions to public safety.[75] The Interstate Criminal Patrol unit has garnered external recognitions, including Agency of the Year and Officer of the Year at the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas conference in 2024.[76] The department's SWAT team holds Level 1 certification from the Department of Homeland Security, denoting highest operational standards.[77] In 2024, Arkansas State Police personnel received 45 County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards from the state Attorney General, covering troopers from 45 of Arkansas's 75 counties.[78] Statistical outcomes reflect enforcement efficacy, particularly in drug interdiction and traffic safety. In 2024, troopers seized over 15,000 pounds of illegal marijuana and $3.3 million in cash during traffic stops, with methamphetamine seizures rising to 509 pounds from 56 pounds in 2023.[24] Detailed breakdowns from annual reports show:| Category | 2023 Seizures (ICP/K-9) | 2024 Seizures (ICP/K-9) |
|---|---|---|
| Marijuana (lbs) | 9,248 / 1,649 | 11,778 / 4,915 |
| Methamphetamine (lbs) | 57 / 1.6 | 509 / 150 |
| Cocaine (lbs) | 354 / 177 | 270 / 18 |
| Cash ($) | 1,478,000 / 414,000 | 4,568,000 / 1,222,000 |









