Patrol operations are divided into five districts. The districts are managed by officers that work 12-hour day and night shifts. These patrol officers respond to the community’s calls for service, enforce traffic and criminal laws, address community needs and initiate actions based on their own observations.
The patrol division operates on the community-policing model in which input from the community is vital to determining policing strategies. Officers attend community events to interact with the residents and address their concerns regarding law enforcement. The patrol division provides the initial response to calls for service from the public. Patrol officers are responsible for the prevention of crime, enforcement of all laws, the arrest and prosecution of criminals and the protection of life and property.
The patrol division is also responsible for traffic and crowd control at all the major parades and events in the city of Benton.
In addition to daily patrol functions, officers must also frequently attend court for misdemeanor and felony cases.
Patrol Officer:
Our mission is to provide our community with a professional, progressive, community-oriented police department. We strive to serve our citizens with the utmost courtesy and concern for their needs with an emphasis on integrity and fairness. We conduct ourselves in such a manner as to instill confidence and pride in the Benton Police Department by the community. We strive to protect the constitutional rights of everyone. Our purpose is to create an atmosphere of safety and security in our community.
Applicants for entry-level Police Officer positions must meet the following criteria established by the State of Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, the State of Arkansas Civil Service Statute, and the Benton Civil Service Commission. An applicant must be at least 20 years of age. An applicant must have graduated from a standard high school or must have a high school equivalency; i.e., General Education Diploma (GED). An applicant must have no felony convictions. A complete background investigation will be conducted on every applicant. An applicant will be required to pass a basic physical agility test, drug test, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer, medical and psychological examination.MUST PASS WRITTEN EXAM TO PROCEED TO THE FOLLOWING: Oral Interviews Background Investigation, Medical Examination, Drug Test, Psychological Evaluation, and a Computer Voice Stress Analyzer to verify application information. The CITY OF BENTON is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and does not discriminate in its employment practices on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, or physical or mental disability. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Must successfully complete a 13-week training program through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and then complete a 16-week Field Training Officer program.