NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ─ The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management announced that State Fire Marshal Dennis Free will retire effective July 1, concluding a distinguished career marked by dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Free’s service to the State of Arkansas spans 45 years in fire protection and prevention. He spent 26…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in two calves in Zavala County, Texas. While there have been no confirmed detections in Arkansas, state officials are urging livestock producers, pet owners, and others who work with animals to remain vigilant…
Because of outrage over recent incidents in which suspects fled from law enforcement with children in their vehicles, Arkansas State Police (ASP) Col. Mike Hagar is calling on parents and caregivers to think first of the safety of the children in their care and pull over. “As a father, I cannot fathom a parent making…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In recognition of National Internet Safety Month, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is encouraging parents, caregivers, and communities across the state to strengthen their approach to protecting children online. Historically, the largest increases in online enticement cases occur during the summer months and the beginning…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL) has been recognized as a recipient of the prestigious Foresight Maximus Award, an international honor presented to top-performing forensic laboratories operating at 90% or better of peak efficiency during the reporting year. Presented during the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Annual Symposium held May 17…
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ─ The state is experiencing a troubling rise in fire-related deaths this year. As of today, Arkansas has recorded 28 fire fatalities, already surpassing the 27 deaths reported by this time in 2025. This early increase highlights a growing public safety concern that requires immediate attention. In 2025, only 14 percent of…
ROLAND, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday, May 25, 2026, in Pulaski County involving Arkansas State Park Rangers Around 6:15 p.m., Pulaski County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a possible medical emergency at a residence in the 22000 block of State…
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. — Criminal investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the suspicious death of Justin Hocutt, 14, of Seligman, MO. The death was initially investigated in 1999, and recently, the Barry County Sheriff’s Office has requested the Patrol’s assistance in investigation. Hocutt…
By Mary Hightower University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas was still the No. 3 cotton producer in the United States in 2025 despite growing fewer acres than the previous year, and this year, farmers may grow the smallest number of cotton acres in nearly a decade. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service…
BENTON, Ark. — Three Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers were jointly awarded the prestigious Arkansas State Police Trooper of the Year Award for 2025 during the annual ASP Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Arkansas State Police Foundation at the Benton Event Center. Trooper Ethan Hiland, Trooper First Class Brady Nuckels, and Trooper First Class Jacob Price…
LITTLE ROCK – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) and Arkansas law enforcement are urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs…
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…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — There has never been a better time to be an Arkansas State Trooper, and we’re seeking qualified men and women ready and willing to serve the State of Arkansas with integrity, courage, and professionalism, while building a career that makes a real difference. Today, we launch a two-month recruitment window for…
BILOXI, Miss. —The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Interstate Criminal Patrol (ICP) was honored with multiple top awards at the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Awards in Biloxi on April 28, 2026, including Agency of the Year and Officer of the Year. The ICP team was recognized as the 2025 Agency of the Year…
By Mary Hightower University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas farmers being squeezed hard by higher fuel and input prices this year could see more than $150 million in total disaster relief with a second round of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In announcing the additional Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payments last Friday, U.S.…
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Eighth South Judicial District Prosecutor Connie Mitchell has determined that law enforcement officers were justified in the use of deadly force in connection with an April fatal shooting of a Texarkana man. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigated an officer‑involved shooting that occurred Sunday evening, April 12, 2026, east…
LITTLE ROCK – Ahead of April 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and local law enforcement are reminding drivers that it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. On “4/20” — a day associated with marijuana — some might observe increased marijuana use.…
CAMDEN, Ark. — The Arkansas Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (ADLEST) proudly announces the graduation of Class 2026-A from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) in Camden. The 77 graduating cadets represented 46 various departments during their completion of an intensive training program designed to prepare them for the responsibilities and challenges of…
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is alerting the public to a recent scam in which callers falsely claim to be officers with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Several Arkansas residents have reported receiving calls from individuals identifying themselves as “Officer Jackson” with ICAC and demanding a return call…
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – A South Arkansas social media figure known for posting about community concerns and alleged injustices has been arrested following an incident in which authorities say false information shared online prompted an emergency response at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center. According to a press release issued Monday by the Jefferson…
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today marked a major milestone in the construction of the new Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL), celebrating the placement of the final structural beam during a topping‑out ceremony at the Northshore Drive project site. The state‑of‑the‑art facility will significantly expand Arkansas’ forensic science capacity, providing…
