Establishment in cities of the first class — Definition

Ark. Code Ann. § 14-52-101 — under Municipal Police Departments.

Ark. Code Ann. § 14-52-101

(a) The governing body of a city of the first class shall establish a city police department and provide the city police department with the proper means and equipment to provide law enforcement services for the city and its inhabitants in a manner that will most effectually preserve the peace of the city, secure the citizens from personal violence, and safeguard their property.

(b) In lieu of establishing a city police department under this section, a governing body of a city of the first class may enter into a contract or interlocal agreement for law enforcement services with an existing law enforcement agency.

(c) The governing body of a city of the first class shall have the power to prescribe the duties, define the powers, and promulgate the policies necessary to govern a police department established under this section.

(d) As used in this section, “governing body” means the:(1) City council in a mayor-council form of government; and(2) Board of directors in a city manager or city administrator form of government.

(1) City council in a mayor-council form of government; and

(2) Board of directors in a city manager or city administrator form of government.