30% workforce reduction at the East Arkansas Sheriff’s Office

Little Rock, Arkansas – On Tuesday, the Phillips County Quorum Court decided to put into effect an emergency staffing legislation that mandates a minimum of 30% staff reduction for the sheriff’s department.

Sheriff Neal Byrd stated that this cut would create “a significant delay in response time for emergency calls.”

According to a news release, the law calls for the elimination of 10 positions throughout the county, seven of which will be at the sheriff’s office.

Byrd is asking that all non-emergencies report to the Justice Complex, and a deputy will be assigned based on each situation.

The sheriff called the passing of this ordinance and its impact on public safety “unmeasurable.”

The news release also stated, “Judge Clark Hall made it known in the January 9th meeting that he would have the jail shut down by July 1, 2024. Producing a substantial loss of revenue for the county due to monies made from the housing of ADC and federal inmates.”