Hot Spring County

Sheriff's Patrol

 

Purpose

    Established to serve the citizens of Hot Spring County, the Sheriff's Patrol was Chartered July 10, 1961 as a nonprofit organization.  When summoned by the sheriff, the volunteer Patrol provides law enforcement support to the Sheriff's Department as well as other Malvern, Hot Spring County, State, and Federal agencies requesting assistance.

    The Patrol responds to natural disasters, manhunts, major accidents, drug eradication, and searches for missing persons as well as providing security and traffic control at parades, school activities, and civic functions.  The Patrol also furnishes the security for the annual Malvern Brickfest and Hot Spring County Fair.

    Arkansas' Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training has certified 26 of the Patrol's members.  These auxiliary officers have the same authority as a full-time law enforcement officer as long as he/she is performing an assigned duty under the direct supervision of a full-time certified law enforcement officer.

    The Patrol is directed by the Sheriff's Patrol Governing Board under the supervision of Sheriff Ron Ball and with the approval of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.  The Board consists of the Captain, Master Sergeant, and four Lieutenants.  Each Lieutenant is responsible for a platoon of approximately ten members.

    Sheriff's Patrol members receive no compensation for their activities.  They drive their personal vehicles, furnish their own uniforms and equipment, and pay for their training.  Expenses for a first-year certified officer average approximately $1200.00.

    Patrol members volunteer numerous hours 

    The Sheriff's Patrol receives no county, state, or federal funding. Operating funds are derived from annual membership dues, donations for working scheduled events, and proceeds from the annual gospel music show.

    Donations are used to maintain equipment such as the mobile command post and the generator trailer, and to purchase vital radio equipment,

* Complete an Application and submit to the Governing Board through a sponsor.
* Submit to a complete background check.
* Election by a majority of the membership.
* Pay $20.00 annual dues.

* US Citizen.
* Minimum age of 21 years.
* Resident of Hot Spring County.
* Be of good character.
* High school diploma or G.E.D.
* Fingerprinted for criminal record check.
* Examination by licensed physician.
* Pass psychological examination.

* Complete a minimum of 100 hours of approved training.
* Pass a certified firearm training course.
* Complete one year of probation.