arkansas department of public safety

Arkansas declines to release police officer database, preventing public oversight of problem cops

BY: and - November 27, 2023

When new officials took on the oversight of Arkansas law enforcement officers under Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders early this year, they made keeping bad cops off the street a focus. They said they adopted new processes and safeguards intended to prevent problem officers from hopping from department to department and have even looked at individuals […]

Arkansas authorities see ‘high risk’ of violence against religious nonprofits from Mideast war

BY: - November 17, 2023

Arkansas lawmakers will direct $500,000 in state funds to bolster security for religious nonprofits considered at risk of violence in light of ongoing conflict in the Middle East once state law enforcement officials specify how the money will be used.  Col. Mike Hagar, DPS secretary and head of the Arkansas State Police, asked on Nov. […]

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin

Working group recommends human trafficking prevention, intervention tactics to Arkansas leaders

BY: - October 16, 2023

A group of experts on Friday recommended three steps Arkansas can take to address and prevent human trafficking in, an effort that a $1.5 million federal grant will support, the state Department of Human Services announced in a press release.  Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders created the working group with an executive order in February, and she […]

Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders (at podium) said Monday Dec. 5, 2022, that she plans to nominate Mike Hagar (center) to serve as secretary of public safety and director of state police; Hagar is currently commander of the state police’s Troop A, which includes Pulaski, Faulkner, Lonoke and Saline counties. Current Public Safety Director A.J. Gary (right) will remain as the director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. The announcements were made at the Arkansas State University System Offices in Little Rock, across the street from the state Capitol. (John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces appointment for Arkansas Public Safety secretary

BY: - December 5, 2022

This story was updated at 4:40 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2022, with additional details about Capt. Mike Hagar’s U.S. Marshal nomination. Arkansas Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Monday announced her first cabinet appointment, tapping a current Arkansas State Police troop commander to be her public safety chief. Sanders said she would nominate Capt. Mike Hagar, […]