The police are law enforcement officers who usually take an oath (make a promise) to protect and serve their communities. Police officers—or collectively, police departments—enforce laws, investigate potential crimes, and make arrests.
In Arkansas, as in other states, police officers are sworn law enforcement officials who have taken an oath to protect and serve the public. They are responsible for enforcing state laws and local ordinances. Their duties include patrolling communities to deter and detect crime, conducting investigations into criminal activity, and apprehending individuals suspected of committing offenses. Police departments, which are typically organized at the municipal level, operate under the authority of state statutes and are also subject to federal laws that govern law enforcement practices. These statutes outline the scope of police powers, procedures for making arrests, and the rights of citizens. Arkansas law enforcement officers are required to complete training and certification through the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) to ensure they are qualified to carry out their duties in accordance with legal and professional standards.