Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

State Police To Receive Grant

The Arkansas State Police will soon receive a $5.625 million grant from the Justice Department to hire 75 new state troopers, Co. John R. Bailey, State Police director, said Monday.

The grant is part of the federal government's plans to put 100,000 officers on the streets under the "Community Oriented Policing Services" program.

"We are elated to receive these funds," Bailey said. "It doesn't answer all of our manpower problems, but it will enable us to continue to build an organization that will be able to respond to the increasing demands for police services as we go into the 21st Century."

The grant provides for 75% of each new trooper's salary and employer matching benefits for three years. The state must provide the remainder, about $900,000 a year.

"We invite anyone who is interested in becoming a state trooper to apply for a position," Capt. Wayne Eddy, State Police personnel manager, said. "This may be the best time to join the State Police for years to come and we are particularly interested in urging minorities to apply. These positions will be filled as soon as possible, so don't wait to apply."

To become a state trooper: You must be at least 22 years of age (no maximum age limit) -- Must be a resident of the state at the time of application. Must hold a current and valid Arkansas driver's license -- Must not have been convicted of any felony crime -- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent -- Visual acuity requirement: 20/100 uncorrected, corrected to 20/20 in each eye -- Must be able to make a passing grade on the entrance examination -- Must be able to pass the department physical, psychological and polygraph examination.