‘Walk out for good:’ Haskell Police officers quit the force amid city not fulfilling needs
Haskell Arkansas Jan 11, 2023
The city of Haskell will now be without the majority of its police officers after they resigned during a city council meeting on Monday.
Six officers plus reserve officers told KATV they have had enough from the city after not having the needs of the department met. Lieutenant Jimmy Foreman said it was a situation that could’ve been avoided.
“The mayor wants to cut from eight people down to five people, possibly four,” Foreman said. “We’re not adequately able to run the department with seven people now because officers can’t take vacation, they’re not able to take off and be with their family but yet he wants to cut those positions.”
Foreman said Haskell Mayor Clyde Crookham claimed state police won’t allow the department to have an assistant chief or lieutenant chief without permission.
According to Foreman, last month the department received a $100,000 grant from the Arkansas State Police. He said they need newer police units, updated equipment and raises. Foreman said there are times when they do not get paid correctly throughout the year because of their pay matrix.
Shortly after the officers quit during the city council meeting Crookham explained city funds in front of the community.
“The city don’t have an unlimited financial bank to afford equipment and it’s unfortunate that they think we do,” Foreman said.
Before the city council meeting, KATV did speak with Crookham on the phone about the department’s concern and use of funds. He said they can’t use the grant money for police units. Crookham said the money will be used for radios.
Foreman said they are the lowest-paid department in Saline County. He said it’s not the community they are abandoning.
“We love the citizens, we love helping and that’s what we do. We just want to be adequate in what we do and be able to do it professionally and safely,” Foreman said.
The officers who quit immediately turned in their city equipment and work vehicle. Until more officers are hired, residents in Haskell will have to wait a little longer for help when they call 911.
“I have talked to Sheriff Wright and Sheriff Wright assures me that the city will be covered with a county deputy,” Crookham said.
Some of the former Haskell police officers said they have started applying for jobs at other agencies.
Officials from Saline County Sheriff’s Office said Arkansas State Police will also respond to calls in Haskell if needed.
