EAST CAMDEN, Ark. — The Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (ADLEST) today celebrated the grand opening of a new training facility at the East Camden campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA).
The new building marks a significant expansion of the existing campus and a substantial investment in the future of law enforcement training in Arkansas. The addition increases training capacity, modernizes instructional spaces, and provides officers with realistic, scenario-based learning environments designed to meet critical training needs.
“The continued growth of our East Camden campus represents more than an expansion, it reflects our commitment to strengthening law enforcement across Arkansas,” said Chris Chapmond, ADLEST Director. “This facility ensures we are equipping officers with the training, resources, and environments necessary to meet evolving public safety challenges with professionalism and confidence.”
In addition to the main training facility, construction included a new 20,000-square-foot multipurpose live-fire range designed to enhance firearms training capacity, safety, and flexibility for both basic and advanced instruction. The project also included renovations to existing campus housing, improving 50 rooms and expanding accommodations to 65 beds for recruits and visiting officers.
“This investment reinforces Arkansas’s commitment to providing high-quality training for law enforcement professionals statewide,” said Mike Hagar, Secretary of Public Safety and Director of the Arkansas State Police. “Facilities like this allow our officers to train in environments that mirror real-world situations, ultimately strengthening the safety of the communities they serve.”
Completed at a cost of $12,901,000, the project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The new 23,000-square-foot facility, along with the expanded range and housing improvements, significantly enhances ALETA’s ability to serve local, county, and state law enforcement agencies across Arkansas.
“This expansion strengthens both our instructional capabilities and our capacity to train more officers efficiently,” said Scott Williams, East Camden Training Supervisor. “With improved facilities and expanded resources, we are better positioned to deliver the level of training Arkansas officers deserve.”
The East Camden ALETA campus plays a vital role in delivering basic academy training, advanced specialty courses, and continuing education opportunities for officers statewide. As demand for training continues to grow, these improvements ensure ALETA remains at the forefront of professional law enforcement education.
Cromwell Architects Engineers designed the project, and Ideal Construction served as the general contractor. Construction began in January 2025.
Article courtesy of the Arkansas State Police
