In the past 20 years, Pea Ridge has gone from a small, bedroom community of 1,971 residents with a police force varying in size from one to three officers to a very busy city with nearly 5,000 residents and a Police Department with 13 officers.
Twenty years ago, when now-retiring Police Chief Tim Ledbetter was hired, he was interviewed by the City Council in an executive session. The mayor (Jackie Crabtree) hired him.
Pea Ridge is governed by an elected mayor (who had no opposition in the last election and who has served for 20 years) and four elected city council members.
Mayor Crabtree said he has received 24 applications for the position being vacated by Ledbetter. Crabtree said he intends to select the new chief on his own -- without assistance.
Several Pea Ridge residents have commented on Facebook that they think the mayor should receive input from the citizens.
"Why isn't the city council in on helping to choose the next chief?" asked Judy Holm.
"I wondered the same thing," wrote Scott Spivey.
"Anyone else find it odd that the mayor is selecting the new Chief of Police alone? The Chief of Police position is important enough to the City of Pea Ridge to warrant a selection committee at the very least. I value the Mayor's opinion but with so many vying for the position, and not just local candidates, I don't think he should be choosing alone, in case of personal bias or previous associations. How are Chiefs of Police selected and hired in other cities?" one city resident asked in a private message on Facebook, asking that the comment be shared.
To that comment, others have commented about what is the law and what their opinions are.
One reader mentioned that more residents should start attending City Council meetings.
There were very strong opinions shared by writers; some expressed confidence in the mayor's decision.
It is legal for a mayor of a first-class city in Arkansas to appoint/hire the chief of police. But it is prudent for a mayor to seek wise counsel.
Four of the applicants currently serve this city on the Police Department. One is the lieutenant who has been named interim chief and has made many changes in the department in the last three months.
With 24 applicants it is sensible for the City Council, or a citizens committee, to assist with looking through the applications, reviewing the resumes, checking references.
Pea Ridge has changed, but it still has a small-town feel and many people laud that and seek to protect it.
The TIMES applauds each city leader who is a true servant leader, unselfishly serving and not seeking personal gain or recognition. We encourage the city leaders to work together to find the best person for the job of leading the Police Department as the city continues to grow and adapt to the changes of the 21st century.
Editorial on 01/28/2015