Arkansas Department of Public Safety

The meeting addressed several key items, including Weapon Resolutions concerning the retirement of service weapons and shotguns for retiring Corporal Cleary Chapman and Corporal Joseph Gilliland. Promotion certificates were presented to several personnel, including Captain Seth Pinner and Sergeants Lance Coffman, Dean Pitchford, Christiana McKibben, and Michael Kyle Ellison. Division reports covered financial matters, noting cash flow adjustments due to revenue timing, and an audit finding regarding under-collateralization of a bank account. Administrative Services reported on the conclusion of recruit training and the positive status of the ASP Health Plan fund balance. The Crimes Against Children Division detailed November activity, leading to an extensive discussion regarding call handling procedures, accountability, and coordination with the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), particularly concerning recurring allegations. Criminal Investigations reported on new cases, death investigations, and warrants executed. The Highway Patrol provided metrics on criminal arrests, DWIs, hazardous stops, and drug seizures by the ICP Team. Regulatory and Building Operations reported on background checks and investigations conducted by the Fire Investigators and Bomb Squad. The session concluded with an Executive Session where a lateral transfer of Captain David Williams was approved.

The meeting involved welcoming new Board Members representing the District Judges Association and the Prosecutor's Association. Key discussions focused on ACIC Division Reports, including Operations updates such as approvals for new Workstation Applications for the Arkansas Lottery Investigations & Enforcement, Bradley County Sheriff's Office, and Cedarville Police Department. Reports also covered user training statistics for CJIS Online Security Training and Basic online training, system audits, VINE notifications, JusticeXchange activity, pseudoephedrine purchase tracking, and Metal Theft Tracking Program data. The Criminal History section detailed record entries and verifications. The Director noted budget status and recognized employee service anniversaries. An invitation was extended for the upcoming ACIC conference in October.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on various requests, including the withdrawal of a decertification request, the establishment of police departments for school districts, and waivers or extensions under CLEST rules. The commission also addressed requests for the decertification of former officers, outlining steps for non-compliance with minimum training standards. Decertification hearings were held, with final votes on consent orders and individual cases. The Director's Report provided updates on construction projects, jail standards, training programs, new employees, and other administrative matters.

The meeting included discussion on weapon resolutions, division reports from various sections including fiscal, administrative services, crimes against children, criminal investigations, highway patrol, and regulatory and building operations. The crimes against children division discussed the number of contacts and investigations in September. The criminal investigations division highlighted significant convictions. The highway patrol reported on criminal arrests, DWI arrests, citations, crashes, stolen vehicles, and drug confiscations. There was also a discussion regarding burning fields and potential safety concerns. The meeting concluded with an executive session to consider employee promotions.

The Arkansas Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (ARCEMP) provides a comprehensive framework for the State's all-hazards incident response, defining responsibilities and coordinating resources across local, State, and federal entities, as well as private and volunteer sectors. It is organized around sixteen Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) and various annexes, addressing prevention, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation. The plan aims to reduce vulnerability, ensure effective assistance, and integrate National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles to safeguard community lifelines and facilitate rapid recovery from emergencies and disasters.