As we close out a great 2011 and look most forward to our New

Year, I wish to thank everyone for their tremendous cooperation  and support this past year and look most forward to 2012 and beyond  as we continue to  make Izard County a greater place to live, work, and raise a family.

In late 2011 we were fortunate to get a digital fingerprint machine from the Arkansas State Police at no cost to the county. This highly advanced macine electronically sends finger prints to the state police and FBI data bases and matches any print on file within twenty or thirty minutes as compared to taking  weeks using the old paper and ink method.  The value of this machine is about $30,000 and will allow us to better serve the citizens of Izard County.

To further advance in technology during 2012, we plan to install GPS systems in all patrol units which will allow the dispatch center to track the location of all on-duty deputies allowing us to dispatch  the closest unit to a call location. .  This should save time and money as we again seek ways to improve service to our citizens.

Our next technology advancement plan is to bring internet capability to the computer units in patrol vehicles.  Because of budget constraints, it is likely this will not happen until 2013 but this too will allow us to again improve service to our citizens.

Beginning the first of January 2012, we  hired an additional deputy funded by a grant from  the United States Department Justice.  This funding in the amount of $100,000 is for a three year period for years 2012, 2013, and 2014, and will allow us to expand our criminal investigations and patrol. This will allow us to again better serve the citizens of Izard County. 

The Izard County Sheriff’s Department is eager to serve the citizens of our great county  and every member is dedicated to that cause.  Again, have a great 2012 and feel free to call upon us if we can help in anyway.

Tate Lawrence

Izard County Sheriff