The number of personnel in the Pea Ridge Police Department has grown as the city's population has grown and more positions are specialized.
There are now two detectives on the Pea Ridge Police Department. Sgt. Brandon Davis and Geovanni Serrano, both detectives, were introduced to Pea Ridge City Council members last week.
Davis, who began as an officer in Pea Ridge in July 2014, had previously been a detective for Benton County Sheriff's Office and a supervisor for two other sheriff's offices, according to Police Chief Ryan Walker. Serrano, who works part-time for Pea Ridge, has 10 years experience with BCSO and currently works in security.
"The detectives investigate pretty much any crimes that involve theft of properties or money and certain persons crimes," Walker said, adding that
Sgt. Davis has "tons of specialized training," Walker said, and Serrano is a "specialized polygraph" operator.
"Both are trained by the FBI and Secret Service and have been to several classes out of state," Walker said. Their training includes investigating a body that's been buried and learning about decomposition rates, how to process a scene, collect evidence and conduct interviews.
Police officers in Arkansas receive a broad introduction to investigation, Walker said, but detectives have more intensive training.
Pea Ridge Police also have a forensic light now, Walker said, that will show evidence of any bodily fluids, even if the area being searched has been cleaned. There is also a special attachment for the detective's camera to use with the forensic light.
"Just like with any business, there are certain people in certain roles," Walker explained, adding that both training and equipment are expensive and he wants to make the best use of both for the Pea Ridge department.
"We can call for assistance from any larger department, but we are trying to be as self-sufficient as much as we can," Walker said. "That's what I look for when I hire guys -- previous training -- so we can get more bang for our buck. When you can pick up somebody who has already been through training and classes, it's a huge asset to our department."
There are currently 13 officers on the Pea Ridge Police Department with four part-time officers.
"All of our officers are extremely valuable to our department and our town," Walker said. "As for CID, these two guys are worth their weight in gold for our town."
"Everybody's got their niche and has specific abilities and talents they contribute to this department and to our residents."
General News on 04/27/2016