State Police Investigate Mayflower Police Department
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 5, 2012
The mayor of Mayflower is looking into claims that city police radar certifications could be based on fraudulent paperwork.
If so, that could affect countless drivers who've been given speeding tickets for the past several months.
While Mayflower police cruisers come equipped with radar technology, that doesn't mean every officer is authorized to use it. Officers are supposed to undergo training and be certified by the state standards office. Right now, Mayflower's records are being scrutinized, some saying they were faked.
"Some police come to me and say something about different situations and I said I will look into those," said Mayor Randy Holland.
Mayor Holland won't share many details but admits concerns about the department's radar training records sparked a review of the entire police department.
The state law enforcement standards office confirms they've turned those records over to state police after concerns the chief turned in training records for the entire department, when some officers allege they never had training.
"Until we get the reports and facts it's still just a rumor," said Mayor Holland.
He added that they're still waiting on the outcome, but some things have already changed.
"Anything with speeding tickets, only the ones certified actually do that, the ones who aren't have stopped," he said.
When asked what could happen to people who were ticketed by uncertified officers, Holland says, it's too early to tell.
Police Chief Billy Baker was out of the office Thursday, but KARK asked him about these allegations weeks ago. He said they held radar training and all but two officers on the roster attended. Although he did turn in the full roster, he says the problem was fixed once they found the mistake. Arkansas State Police and Mayflower City Hall investigations are ongoing.
If so, that could affect countless drivers who've been given speeding tickets for the past several months.
While Mayflower police cruisers come equipped with radar technology, that doesn't mean every officer is authorized to use it. Officers are supposed to undergo training and be certified by the state standards office. Right now, Mayflower's records are being scrutinized, some saying they were faked.
"Some police come to me and say something about different situations and I said I will look into those," said Mayor Randy Holland.
Mayor Holland won't share many details but admits concerns about the department's radar training records sparked a review of the entire police department.
The state law enforcement standards office confirms they've turned those records over to state police after concerns the chief turned in training records for the entire department, when some officers allege they never had training.
"Until we get the reports and facts it's still just a rumor," said Mayor Holland.
He added that they're still waiting on the outcome, but some things have already changed.
"Anything with speeding tickets, only the ones certified actually do that, the ones who aren't have stopped," he said.
When asked what could happen to people who were ticketed by uncertified officers, Holland says, it's too early to tell.
Police Chief Billy Baker was out of the office Thursday, but KARK asked him about these allegations weeks ago. He said they held radar training and all but two officers on the roster attended. Although he did turn in the full roster, he says the problem was fixed once they found the mistake. Arkansas State Police and Mayflower City Hall investigations are ongoing.
