AAC
RESEARCH CORNER
Continue to ‘Back the Blue’ Many important pieces of legislation have been adopted by the General Assembly, but more can be done to aid law enforcement officers.
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Story By DYLAN LOFTON AAC Law Clerk
n 2020, Gov. Asa Hutchinson created the Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas. The Law Enforcement Task Force was designed with a two-pronged purpose. First, the task force was developed to identify the best methods for the recruitment, training, and retention of law enforcement officers in the state. Additionally, the task force was designed to provide insight and guidance on increasing trust between law enforcement and communities in Arkansas, while also recommending changes to improve policing. The task force was composed of a wide range of both community advocates and law enforcement representatives. After meeting for several months, 27 recommendations were given to the Governor by the collective task force. These recom24
mendations include changes in law enforcement training, programs, and practice that are focused on improving cultural, race, and community relations. The recommendations also suggested changes in law enforcement structure and benefits, including increasing the number of full-time officers in the police force compared to part-time officers, providing tax credits and exemptions for law enforcement officers, and improving law enforcement salaries in Arkansas.
Legislative Achievements
Many of the recommendations made by the task force required legislative approval. The General Assembly took many legislative actions designed to support law enforcement and to promote public safety. Some notable pieces of legislation designed to “Back the Blue” and to protect everyday Arkansans were passed by the General Assembly and signed into law. We are thankful for the General Assembly’s leadership in passing COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2021
