North Little Rock e-Newsletter Provided by Diane Whitbey, City Clerk and Treasurer
August/September
The City of North Little Rock welcomed our new Police Chief Hayward Finks during a public Swearing In Ceremony held on July 23, 2026 following the retirement of former Chief Patrick Thessing. Finds spent decades in the Little Rock Police Department before a short term as assistant chief. He retired and joined the North Little Rock School District as Director of Safety Services. During comments Chief Finds said “The door is always open for the community to be as transparent as possible with neighborhood groups and residents of the city.” He added, “It is an honor and privilege to be given the distinction as the first black Chief of Police for the City of North Little Rock. I realize I stand on the shoulders of countless others in order to stand before.” In his first 100 days in office, he will look at every aspect of the department to make changes as needed. “Where’s Mel”? Be the first person to call 501-975-8617 and tell us where you found Mel hiding and win!
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