MINUTES OF COMMISSION MEETING July 14, 2009

The Arkansas State Police Commission met on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the Arkansas State Police Administrative Headquarters, 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Commission Chairman Childers called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioner Dr. Charisse Childers, Chairman Commissioner Dr. Lewis Shepherd, Vice-Chairman Commissioner John Allison, Secretary Commissioner Jane Christenson Commissioner Steve Smith Commissioner Woody Futrell Commissioner Wallace Fowler

STATE POLICE PERSONNEL ATTENDING: Colonel Winford Phillips Lt. Colonel Tim K’Nuckles Ed Wolfe Major Kathy Sparks Major Cleve Barfield Major Les Braunns Pam Davidson Sergeant Forrest Marks Trooper Alex Krneta Lindsey Williams Captain Keith Eremea Vic Coleman Lieutenant Jimmy L. Smith Sergeant Gregg Alexander Debbie Kirk Emma French Karen Perry Lieutenant Steve Coppinger Mabel Agee Sarah Childers Lieutenant Bill Beach Lieutenant Jackie Clark Lieutenant Mark Blankenship Lieutenant Ron Stayton Captain Henry La Mar Sergeant Stuart Woodward Captain Myron Hall M. J. Saling Sheila Stanley Captain J. R. Hankins Corporal Kelly K. Watkins Sergeant Brant Tosh Lieutenant Shawn Garner Lieutenant Stan Witt Lieutenant Joel Mullins Corporal Trent Behnke Trooper Paul Fry Trooper Jeff Plouch Captain Lloyd Franklin Trooper J. Pickett Sergeant Jeff Crow Trooper Nick Brown Corporal Paulette Ward Sergeant Mark Johnson Trooper Jason M. Young Lieutenant Glenn Sligh Captain Jeff Jester Corporal Chad Staley Corporal Ronald Casey Ken Stoll Bridget White Captain Dale Saffold Captain Tommy Wicker Jean Langford

OTHERS PRESENT: Rhys Rogers, DFA Keith French, ASPF Brooks Jackson, ASPF Senator Bobby Glover Tina Watkins Kyle Watkins Kevin Watkins Steve Cook, ASPF Joe Thielke, ASPF Robin Krneta Vaso Krneta Mike Hocutt, ASPF

OPENING PRAYER:

Commissioner Shepherd opened the meeting with prayer.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Commissioner Smith led the pledge of allegiance.

NOTIFICATION OF MEDIA:

The media was notified of this meeting on July 5, 2009.

MINUTES:

Commissioner Fowler made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 15, 2009 Arkansas State Police Commission meeting and Commissioner Futrell seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Commission Chairman Childers recognized guests in attendance, specifically Keith French, Joe Thielke, Mike Hocutt, Steve Cook, and Brooks Jackson with the ASP Foundation and also Senator Bobby Glover. She also recognized the family of Trooper Krneta and the family members of Corporal Kelly Watkins. She recognized Retiree Lance Huey who is currently Sheriff of Grant County and will be the new Director of Security for the Arkansas Lottery.

Commission Chairman Childers thanked the captains and commanders for attending.

OFFICIAL COMMENDATION:

Captain Keith Eremea gave an overview for which Corporal Vic Coleman was nominated for this Official Commendation. Captain Eremea explained he had nominated Corporal Vic Coleman because of his consistent dedication to duty. Drug interdiction or criminal enforcement is very dirty work with long hours, taking cars apart. It is having to realize that every person you stop potentially could take your life because of what they're hauling in their vehicles. In 2008 Corporal Coleman seized a little over 690 pounds of marijuana, 24 pounds of cocaine, and over $440,000 in US currency believed to be drug proceeds. While this was a great year for Vic Coleman in 2008, just in the first month of 2009 Corporal Coleman and his partner Corporal Trent Behnke made one cash seizure of over $954,000 and one stop of over 22,000 pounds of marijuana. Corporal Coleman is being nominated because of his dedication to duty and effectiveness in his role in interdiction.

Colonel Winford Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Corporal Vic Coleman.

Captain Keith Eremea gave an overview of the interdiction efforts for which Corporal Trent Behnke is nominated for an Official Commendation. He prefaced the overview by explaining Corporal Behnke seized 8 pounds of cocaine at 1:00 o'clock this morning and has had no sleep for almost 24 hours. Captain Eremea stated 2008 was the first year Corporal Behnke had been on the interdiction team out of Troop A. He stated Corporal Behnke had seized 6.1 pounds of cocaine, 271 pounds of marijuana, and $179,000 in cash. Corporal Behnke was also instrumental in locating $954,000 cash in a semi-rig at the beginning of 2009. Due to his hard work and dedication, Corporal Behnke is being nominated for an Official Commendation.

Colonel Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Corporal Trent Behnke.

Lieutenant Shawn Garner reported Corporal Dennis Overton is assigned to the Interstate Criminal Patrol in Troop K. From January of 2008 through December 2008, Corporal Overton seized 41 pounds of marijuana, 6 kilos of cocaine, and $456,167 in currency. Corporal Overton has also recovered one stolen vehicle and one stolen motorcycle. He has performed his assigned duties over the past 12 months in an exemplary manner and is deserving of an Official Commendation.

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Colonel Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Corporal Overton.

Lieutenant Shawn Garner informed the Commission Corporal Kelly Watkins has given several presentations to public schools in the Troop K area. He explained the presentations have given numerous school children a positive image of the Arkansas State Police.

Corporal Watkins realized early on in giving these presentations there was a need for material and props for the younger school children. He then constructed “Trooper Mike the Talking Bike”. For this construction he utilized the assistance of several local business owners, Arkansas State Police Association, and the Hot Springs Police Department Fraternal Order of Police along with his own money and approximately 60 hours of his own time in constructing “Trooper Mike the Talking Bike”. Lieutenant Garner explained since its completion Corporal Watkins has used “Trooper Mike” at several local elementary schools in the Troop K area. The program has received great reviews from the students, teachers and administrators. “Trooper Mike the Talking Bike” is a reflection of Corporal Watkins’ dedication to the children and to the community in which he lives. This program will be used for many years to come and reflects a positive image on Corporal Watkins and the Arkansas State Police. For his dedication and time he spends on programs for schools and community groups he is deserving of an Official Commendation.

Colonel Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Corporal Kelly Watkins.

Lieutenant Shawn Garner gave an overview of the events for which Corporal Chad Staley was nominated for an Official Commendation. He reported in 2008 Corporal Staley displayed an extraordinary diligence and dedication to duty by making 65 DWI arrests and 2 DUI arrests which was the most for his post and the 2nd highest for Troop K. Corporal Staley’s commitment to DWI enforcement is even more impressive when the amount of time he spends away from his duty is considered. In addition to his assignments in Highway Patrol, Corporal Staley also serves for the Troop on a quarterly basis as the Range Instructor. He regularly makes himself available to troopers who wish to improve their shooting skills and often works with them one on one. Corporal Staley also serves on the department’s SWAT Team and is often called upon to instruct tactics and firearms training for that team. In addition to his many other responsibilities Corporal Staley also assists with recruitment and in-service training for the department’s training section. During 2008 Corporal Staley spent a total of 512 hours, which is almost 30% of his total hours worked in training or on special assignment and still arrested the 2nd highest number of intoxicated drivers in Troop K. His performance is indicative of his commitment and extraordinary initiative and is worthy of an Official Commendation.

Colonel Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Corporal Chad Staley.

Lieutenant Shawn Garner gave an overview of the events for which Corporal Ron Casey was nominated for an Official Commendation. He reported during 2008 Corporal Casey displayed a tremendous dedication and commitment for public service. During this period Corporal Casey made 1,202 hazardous arrests which is 3 ½ times more than the average of this post. His total arrests for the year were 1,723, 3 times more than the post average. Additionally he made 45 DWI/DUI arrests which were the second highest in his post. What makes his performance even more extraordinary is that he was on sick leave for an entire month in 2008 recovering from a broken ankle. Corporal Casey resolves each year to make a concerted effort to reduce the number of accidents in his assigned area. His extraordinary work ethic, initiative, and dedication to duty reflect great credit on him and the Arkansas State Police, and that is why he was nominated for an Official Commendation

Colonel Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Corporal Ron Casey.

Lieutenant Shawn Garner gave an overview of the events for which Trooper Aleksandar Krneta was nominated for an Official Commendation. Trooper Krneta was assigned to Troop K, Garland County, and he made 75 DWI/DUI arrests during the calendar year of MINUTES OF ARKANSAS STATE POLICE COMMISSION MEETING July 14, 2009 – Page 4

2008. The significance of this is he works in a county in which the normal process time for DWI or DUI arrests is approximately 2 hours, which is well over the average process time in most counties. Trooper Krneta still managed to lead Troop K in overall DWI/DUI arrests for the calendar year of 2008. He has performed all his duties in an exemplary manner, but his dedication to detect and remove impaired drivers from the roadways has been most impressive and the reason he is deserving of an Official Commendation.

Colonel Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Trooper Aleksandar Krneta.

Lieutenant Shawn Garner gave an overview of the performance of Sheila Stanley’s duties as Administrative Assistant for Troop K for which she was nominated for an Official Commendation. Lieutenant Garner stated she is the glue that holds Troop K together and has been Administrative Assistant since April 20, 1997. She has an outgoing personality and truly cares about the needs and concerns of the public. She is always the first to leave her desk and enter the lobby to greet visitors entering Troop K. She always has a smile on her face and makes everyone feel welcome. When answering the phone, she displays a telephone manner that is warm, friendly, and therefore puts the public at ease to talk to a State Police Headquarters. Throughout her tenure with the State Police she has consistently received evaluations of “exceed standards” in all categories. She never allows filing to build up and promptly makes copies of all appropriate reports. She routes those reports to the proper locations. She is meticulous about her work resulting in error-free entries. She never complains about additional work assignments and is always the first to come forward and volunteer when needed. Ms. Stanley is not only an asset to the Arkansas State Police; she’s an asset to the State of Arkansas and therefore deserving of an Official Commendation.

Colonel Phillips presented an Official Commendation to Sheila Stanley.

Commission Chairman Childers advised those who had received Official Commendations and would like to have pictures made with their families or their lieutenant or captain would be able to do this when the Commission goes into Executive Session.

NEW BUSINESS:

Fiscal Report – Presented by Ms. Emma French

Ms. French presented an oral summary of the written report distributed to the Commission. Ms. French reported we finished out the old year and have started a new year. She advised the new budget manuals are ready for the Commissioners, and she would be happy to go over those with them before the August Commission meeting.

Commissioner Allison asked if we spent all the money from the previous budget and if there was any left, and she reported we did a good job in our spending, but as designated we had left in Old Year Vouchers $196,000 or $197,000 to show we had money in appropriation to pay any previous year invoices.

Commission Chairman Childers asked about Act 1001 which initially was a concern to them because it was slow in coming. Ms. French advised we brought in around $700,000 more in revenue from Act 1001 than we had anticipated. We did raise that revenue a little bit for next year.

Commission Chairman Childers asked whether the positions which had been cut in our 2008-2009 budgets had been reinstated.

Ms. French reported two positions for CACD were added and one captain position put back in, and then we have the 15 new troopers for the troop school. In the budget packet we will give you in August, you will be able to see the positions which have been budgeted and those which were not budgeted. MINUTES OF ARKANSAS STATE POLICE COMMISSION MEETING July 14, 2009 – Page 5

Administrative Services Division – Presented by Major Kathy Sparks

Major Sparks presented an oral summary for the written report distributed to the Commission. She reported we had 7 new hires in the month of June, of which two were extra help. There was one rehire which was a trooper reinstatement, one resignation, and 8 extra help positions were terminated. There was one retirement which was a civilian.

She then reported on the health plan and that the claims had been significantly up in June. She advised we had $1.1 million dollars in claims in June. She stated this mainly consisted of two new claims. She said although this amount is alarming, it can be attributed to specific catastrophic claims rather than a trend. Major Sparks advised she felt the most disturbing part of this report shows this is the first time in the last couple years that we have gone above our monthly stop/loss, and we’re still below the stop/loss for the year but we are above stop/loss for the month in the amount of $235,000.

Commissioner Allison asked how the stop/loss is figured. Major Sparks advised she would try to explain. Commissioner Allison then asked if we are $235,000 above for the month and is that where the stop loss kicks in. Major Sparks explained it is a specific aggregate and we would have to go above our stop/loss for the year before any of the reinsurance kicked in, but we track it monthly and the cash flow report shows the stop/loss for the month, expected claims for the month, and aggregate claims. We look at the aggregate claims for the month and if we’re a little over on expected we don’t get concerned, when it goes over the stop/loss, then we are concerned. It may go down again; we are still under for the year so we’re not in big trouble. Major Sparks advised they would be having their 6- month review with Greg Hatcher and CoreSource the first part of August. She stated she trusts Greg to guide us and give us advice on what we need to do and whether this is a trend which will continue or just caused by some catastrophic claims. If Mr. Hatcher tells us we need to change our benefits, then we will have to do that. If he says we will have to look by the end of the year to go with a new carrier, then we may have to do that.

Commissioner Futrell asked whether it was 2001 or 2002 when we went to the Senate for help for our insurance plan. She advised it had been in 2001.

Major Sparks stated we have had some very good years, and we can't expect every year to be a good year without catastrophic claims, but when they do happen we cannot ignore those times.

Commissioner Allison asked if the Commissioners would be included in the meeting, and Major Sparks advised Greg Hatcher would be there for the Oversight Committee meeting when they are invited.

Major Sparks reported our fund balance is dropping, $1.7 million dollars less than last year’s balance. Our balance now is $5.9million. She pointed out the significance of the declining interest going from $20,000 a month last year to $1,000 or less this year. Commissioner Allison advised we need to stay on top of the Health Plan. He stated he knows Major Sparks and Greg Hatcher will keep on top of it and keep everyone updated.

Major Sparks then reported on the upcoming Troop School. She advised we are still on schedule to begin August 23rd. The curriculum has been completed and submitted to the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training for certification. This will be a 17-week school with a little over 1100 hours of training to be certified. The 17 weeks is less than our normal Recruit School which has already been discussed with the Commission. This will be a smaller school than normal with 30 being hired for Troop School. We have been able to compress and do a lot of online training and independent study which will be on the recruit’s time. We will also have more night classes than we normally have, and we have postponed until after the first of the year some of the certification training such as radar and BAC training which is normally included in the

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curriculum. This will allow us to graduate the class before the holidays. Graduation is now scheduled for December 17th.

Major Sparks informed the Commission of specific numbers which had been asked for earlier regarding the race and gender of our commissioned officers. She reported we now have 535 commissioned personnel, which is made up of 82 African-Americans, 78 which are male and 4 are female. We have 23 total females, 19 are white and 4 are African- Americans. We have 2 Hispanic males and 1 Native American male with 431 white males.

The Arkansas workforce using the 2000 census is composed of 15.2% African-Americans between the ages of 20 and 34. This census report is used by the Department of Justice to determine equity among our numbers of our commissioned personnel. As of today 15.3% of our commissioned personnel are African-American as reported through AASIS. We are working with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and with AASIS on an EEOP report. The guidelines of EEO on race are different than in AASIS. When we sent out a report to our employees asking for them to designate their race, they could choose more than one which complicated our numbers.

Major Sparks was asked by Colonel Phillips to go through the hiring process used for those Commissioners who may not be familiar with the process. She explained an applicant will fill out an initial contact form which is a one-sheet screening application which can be sent in by e-mail, on the web, or in person. A traffic and criminal report is run on these applicants and we check to make sure they meet the minimum qualifications. Those persons who meet qualifications are contacted to come participate in the Physical Assessment Test (PAT) and the written exam. They complete the PAT first and to do this they have to bring a waver of liability form and doctor’s statement affirming they are healthy enough to participate in the PAT, which consists of a vertical jump, push ups, sit ups, 300 meter dash, and a 1.5 mile run. Those who pass the PAT change clothes and immediately go in and take the written exam. It takes 2 to 3 weeks to get the results back on those who passed the written exam and to schedule them for a polygraph exam, which is the next step. When they are scheduled, they come into headquarters and complete a polygraph booklet which is 54 pages long. For this particular hiring process, the CID polygraph examiners conducted 200 polygraphs in a 3-week period. Some of these were from the previous hiring cycle we had tested back in 2008, and they had not gotten to the polygraph phase. The polygraph examiner will go over the booklet they completed here at headquarters, and if there are any disqualifiers in that booklet, then they are eliminated from the process at that point. Those who have no admissions or disqualifiers are actually subjected to the polygraph exam. Those who complete the polygraph, then fill out their personal history questionnaire going back to high school which is what we run the background checks on. The background packets are mainly given to the Criminal Investigation Division, however, for this process we did use Administrative personnel and Highway Patrol personnel because of the time crunch we were in to finish the background investigations. When the background investigations come back into headquarters they are reviewed by a Background Review Committee. This review panel currently consists of 5 captains and 1 lieutenant. They review the files to make sure there is nothing in the files to preclude them from being a trooper. Out of all those who came in over the last couple months, there were 71 applicants who were scheduled for the Oral Interview Board which is the next step. The Oral Interview Board is conducted here at headquarters. That panel consists of 1 captain, 2 , 2 sergeants, and 2 . The applicant is asked a standardized set of questions. The applicant is given access to those questions ahead of time. They also review a Recruit School video which shows them what to expect in school. They go before the board and answer questions as the board presents them to the applicant. This year they came to me for a one on one interview after they completed their interview with the Oral Interview Board. There are people who fail to show up for each phase of this process. We began this whole process with well over 2000 applications, and we are down to 65 who have completed the interview process. After the interview process, applicants are selected for eligibility and those applicant files are reviewed by the Commission and upon your approval they are placed on the eligibility list for one year. In most recent years MINUTES OF ARKANSAS STATE POLICE COMMISSION MEETING July 14, 2009 – Page 7

we have not kept and maintained an eligibility list past the beginning of Troop School started, but we have numerous good applicants, and we can only hire 30 for this school, so there will be applicants remaining on the eligibility list that could be considered for a school next year. Monday is going to be the final day for applicant interviews. We will submit 41 names to you today for approval. More will need to be added next week, so I would hope we can have a conference call meeting with the Commission to review what few more we will have added to the eligibility list. Once they are on the eligibility list 30 are to be chosen and will have to undergo psychological and medical exams. They will then meet with Colonel Phillips for a one-on-one.

Commission Chairman Childers asked how many we anticipate for this troop school, and Major Sparks advised the number would be 30.

Commission Chairman Childers asked about the number 15 given by Ms. French as the new positions added, but Major Sparks explained the other 15 would come from positions vacated either through resignation, retirement, or termination.

Commission Chairman Childers commended Major Sparks for the work done on the hiring process and Major Sparks advised there is no way any one division could do this process, and it is structured that way for a reason. She stated we have a very thorough and intensive hiring process because we are looking for the very best we can get, and even with everything we do there will be some that will be missed and there will be some we hire that may not make it through school or may not make it through the field training.

Commissioner Futrell asked if there will be a back up if we lose one or two in the school. Major Sparks answered by saying she does not like to do that, but there will be an alternate group in case someone drops out within the first 48 hours.

Commissioner Shepherd asked about the 54 pages of polygraph questions, and Major Sparks advised this booklet has been used in the past, along with similar versions which have had minor changes made to them. She stated she has asked some of the polygraph examiners if they would assist in setting up a committee to look at that again. There are some questions that are the same as in the personal history questionnaire, so there is no need to duplicate the information.

Crimes Against Children – Presented by Pam Davidson

Ms. Davidson reported for the month of June the Hotline section had 25 operators and the calls and contacts had increased over 500 from this time last year. Also noted at this time we only accept for investigation about half the contacts of the Hotline, and it has gone from 51% last year to 59% this year. I think probably the legislative changes have been the reason for at least part of that. She said she thought callers are getting more sophisticated with the information on the Website and with the service announcements. Ms. Davidson reported they have 2 vacancies in that section and one of those was a promotion and we have selected applicants who are now in the background process. The investigative section had an increase of 86 reports from this time last year, well over 500 again. It seems like between last year and this year we’ve had a few months that were a little bit slower than that. We always think summer months are slower because school is out, but also with the legislative changes last time that increased the list of people who are mandated to report, so I think that probably helped both areas’ numbers go up. We were able to close 635 investigations in June with a substantiation rate of 41%. We had 61 investigators with one vacant position in Area 1 which is Northwest Arkansas. Selection has been made and is in the background process. Another vacancy is effective the 21st of this month. In the Pulaski County area we had 1 vacant position with a hire date now, 1 vacant position as of August 31st due to a retirement in Area 9 which is Garland and Saline County Area. In Faulkner we had 1 vacant position that will be filled July the 20th.

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Commission Chairman Childers asked who is included in the list of those mandated to report now. Ms. Davidson stated it is almost a page full of those mandated to report. She said this time they added child advocacy center employees and expanded it from school teachers and counselors to include all school district employees. She reported the list includes DHS employees, not just social workers and the Division of Children and Family Services. They added domestic violence shelter employees this time. So, not only have the categories been broaden, but also the people in those categories have expanded.

Ms. Davidson advised the CACD administrative staff, although small, does a lot of training on child abuse and domestic violence especially for the schools in August. They also have in-service training at hospitals and state hospitals.

Commission Chairman Childers stated they appreciate the work she does, that it is very difficult and they are happy to hear that you are filling some of those positions and take our hats off to everyone that works in the Crimes Against Children Division. It’s a very challenging area and I appreciate all the work that you do.

Criminal Investigation Division – Presented by Major Cleve Barfield

Major Barfield advised they had every available investigator working on pre-employment backgrounds. He said they would have to stop and take care of criminal work for a while. He reported the Fusion Center is around 90 to 95% complete. They are doing just small finishing items in the Fusion Center. There are several new pieces of analytical equipment they are trying to familiarize all the agents who will be working with this equipment. He advised that computer analysis and cell phone analysis equipment is a continually evolving field, and they are trying to stay up to date with that technology.

Commission Chairman Childers stated she appreciated Major Barfield providing them with reports from last year which gives them a better picture for comparison. She said she thought she needed to visit with Major Barfield about Special Operations because she is still not sure she understands the assignments and responsibilities of those individuals.

Major Barfield explained it included the Bomb Techs who may go a week or two without any callouts. But they do have several calls for disposal of explosives that you never hear about, like a couple weeks ago somebody up in North Arkansas dug up an artillery shell and an individual placed it in their vehicle and drove around a while before calling anyone, and we responded to that call and found out the explosive charge had been removed from it but nobody knew until someone from our office could respond to the call and verify it.

He stated also in that section we have Marijuana Eradication, the DEA with one agent assigned to the state and has been here for years. It’s basically the specialists, which also includes the Mobile Incident Command Post and the new armored vehicle which both are under this section. There are areas that are not used on an everyday basis, but you still have to have someone assigned to that duty who can respond when needed. It is a lot of support folks for the State Police.

Commission Chairman Childers explained she was not discounting their importance, she just thinks she needs to become better informed of the positions and who is there and what they are doing because that may be an area which she has had very little exposure to.

Major Barfield stated Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) is also in that section which is a relatively new area of the State Police dealing with computer crimes with two people assigned now.

Commission Chairman Childers asked Major Barfield if he could give an update on the Fusion Center. He explained it’s 90 to 95% complete. They are working on small details such as the security door pass and other small stuff that has to be completed. He reported our personnel have moved in there and have set up their work centers. MINUTES OF ARKANSAS STATE POLICE COMMISSION MEETING July 14, 2009 – Page 9

Commission Chairman Childers asked about touring the Fusion Center after today’s meeting or do they need to schedule that for another meeting.

Major Barfield advised they could set up a tour for August.

Highway Patrol Division – Presented by Major Les Braunns and Major Ed Wolfe

Major Les Braunns gave a review of the report provided to the Commission. He stated they have again come out of a major reporting period for a holiday. He advised it always honors him to see people commended for a job well done in interdiction efforts and DWI. He reported on the 4th of July Highway Patrol listed 193 alcohol related arrests which would include DUI. Last year we had 133, so we’re up by 60.

Highway Patrol had a total of 9,581 officer violator contacts and last year we had 8,214 showing an increase of 1,367 officer violator contacts. That shows you we are out there and active. I am sorry to report we had 7 fatalities over the holiday weekend as opposed to 4 last year. He reported on an incident in Troop K, Pike County with two escapees that Captain Fletcher and Lt. Sligh were involved in for two days ending in the capture of the escapees.

Commissioner Futrell elaborated on that incident for the Commission. He stated the Captain called him along with the sheriff that night. He advised you could not have been more proud of Troop K and Captain Jester who sent help from Troop G and the CID personnel. He stated Captain Fletcher reminded him of a drill sergeant, he ran the incident hard and professionally. He said everyone worked very hard out in the hot weather side by side with the community and the local law enforcement.

Commission Chairman Childers stated she appreciates all the work the Highway Patrol Division did over the holiday weekend.

Commissioner Shepherd asked if he might commend Corporal Paulette Ward, Corporal A. V. Rogers, and Trooper Chris Hunter for their participation in the first Grand Pleasant Hills Summer Academy at church which was attended by 60 children after attending summer school at the public schools. He reported part of their program was instructions in language arts, math, science, and part of that was exposure to careers. These three employees came over on July 1st for State Police Day and visited with the Junior High and High School students. They did a polygraph exercise. The Choices video, along with the DWI Simulation car were part of their program which was enjoyed by those attending and greatly appreciated by me. Commissioner Shepherd asked if Corporal Watkins could bring “Trooper Mike the Talking Bike” next year for the elementary children. He commended the Troopers for their wonderful community service and making the difference in the lives of a lot of young people.

Commission Chairman Childers thanked Captain Franklin for hosting the last Commission meeting and Arkansas Department of Corrections for providing a place for the meeting.

Commission Chairman Childers reminded everyone of the Awards Ceremony on July 30th at 11:30.

Commission Chairman Childers again recognized Senator Bobby Glover who is being nominated for membership to the Arkansas State Police Foundation. She also recognized him for his contribution to the Hall of Honor. She stated also Senator Sharon Trusty, Senator Robert Thompson, and Senator Ruth Whitaker were also contributors to the Hall of Honor for a total of $355,000 in general improvement funds. Commissioner Fowler moved that Senator Bobby Glover be approved as a member of the Arkansas State Police Foundation. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Futrell and the motion passed.

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Commission Chairman Childers again recognized Mike Hocutt who is being nominated for membership to the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Commissioner Smith moved that Mike Hocutt be approved as member of the Arkansas State Police Foundation. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Futrell and the motion passed.

Colonel Phillips thanked Commission Chairman Childers for her and the Foundation taking the initiative in helping with the Awards Luncheon. He informed the Commission that Former Arkansas State Police Director, John Bailey has agreed to be the keynote speaker at the Awards Luncheon.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

At 11:32 a.m. Commission Chairman Childers announced the Commission would retire into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

The Open Session resumed at 12:10p.m.

Commission Chairman Childers asked if Colonel Phillips had any recommendations. He advised they had discussed the 41 names for the eligibility list to be voted on by the Commission. That list consists of the following applicants:

Shane Alkire Andrew Ault Melissa Avery John Bailey Brandon Bennett Joshua Berry Brandon Bland Nicholas Boggs Kenneth Bookout Derek Byrd George Davidson Christopher Davenport Angela DeWitt Aaron Dickerson Glendon Flowers Thomas Ford Rickey Foust Mason Glasgow James Gould Cordero Gray Dwight Griffith David Hamilton Thomas Hubbard Samuel Hugen Robert Jones Gregory Lingar Brandon Lofton Brandon Margis Scotty Mims Roy Moomey Paul Mullinix Justin Nowlin Corey Ray Frank Remick Buster Rinks Harlee Robinson Terry Sawyer Jeremy Smith Jason Thompson Jason Weaver Kurt Ziegenhorn

Commissioner Allison made a motion to approve all the 41 discussed for the eligibility list, but since they had gone through the list in a hurry to leave it opened for consideration until noon tomorrow if there is any objection. If there is any objection to contact Major Sparks and if needed a Commission Meeting via Conference Call could then be scheduled for further discussion on the candidate. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Futrell and the motion carried.

Commissioner Smith asked how the additional names to be submitted will be handled. Commission Chairman Childers advised they will be given another list. She explained it would include resumes, and then we will have a conference call to vote on those.

Commission Chairman Childers asked Major Sparks when she expected to be getting the second list to the Commission. Major Sparks advised she would like to do this on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

Donna Humphries advised she can e-mail each Commissioner with the call-in numbers for everyone to be able to call in for the Conference Call meeting.

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Commission Chairman Childers asked if Colonel Phillips had another recommendation. Colonel Phillips recommended Erica Lynn Shelby to be reinstated as a trooper in Highway Patrol.

Commissioner Fowler made a motion to reinstate Erica Lynn Shelby, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Futrell and the motion passed.

NEXT MEETING:

The next regular scheduled meeting of the Arkansas State Police Commission will be held on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Commission Chairman Childers suggested they have their budget meeting prior to the meeting either 9:00 or 9:30 with Ms. Emma French. She also advised there would be a tour of the Fusion Center and a report from Captain Eremea.

Major Sparks advised they would be having recruit orientation on that day with the new recruits and their spouses down in Classroom C.

There being no further business to come before this meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 12:17 p.m.

______Commission Chairman

______Commission Secretary