Chief saved money

The size and needs of the Pea Ridge Police Department has increased just as the city’s population has increased, Police Chief Ryan Walker told city officials recently. Walker plans to present his budget at the city’s Committee of the Whole meeting at 2 p.m. Nov. 10.

Enumerating accomplishments this past year, Walker said a fence had been built around the lot using both volunteer work of

officers and inmate work, saving $8,000; installed a drug take back box acquired with a grant and installed by members of the street department, saving $800; received a donation of three police cars and one animal control truck; installed a new floor in the station after water damage; upgraded technology combining several computers onto one server; added laptop computers; adding “less lethal” training and equipment including tasers and a pepper gun; and qualify officers annually on firearms.

Walker said that the work load for officers has increased dramatically and said the increase in work is due to higher traffic flow through town, increased population and increased school enrollment.

Sgt. Brandon Davis presented numbers indicating the increased work load and said the work load on the detectives has increased so much that it takes away from time working on evidence and home compliance checks.

“It would be a great service to the community if I could spend more time on that,” he said, referring to home visits of registered sex offenders.