The Support Division is responsible for the following areas of service:

• Planning and Research : The development of improved practices and procedures as well as for their application in actual operations;
• Budgeting : Estimate and justify future needs for personnel, equipment, operational expense, and capital improvements.
• Outside Employment : Administer and schedule the Police Department’s outside work program.
• Purchasing : Develop technical specification for items or services to be purchased: obtain and compare price quotes from vendors for items to be purchased. Use State of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration purchasing contracts where applicable to obtain greater price discounts.
• Government Grants : Research the availability of grants, apply for grants, and administer grants after they are awarded to the Searcy Police Department.
• Inspectional Services : Insure compliance with and determine accountability for policy and procedure instituted by the Chief of Police.
• Training : Provide for basic training of police recruits, special police officers, and civilian dispatchers, as well as in-service training for police personnel. Provide written memorandum to police personnel regarding changes in the law and its application.
• Animal Control Calls : The Animal Control officer is a civilian employee of the Searcy Police Department, and is responsible for responding to all animal related calls.
• 911 Local Dispatch Center : The Support Division Lieutenant supervises eight civilian dispatchers who staff the Searcy Police Department’s local 911 dispatch center.
• Building Maintenance: Oversees janitorial services, conducts building inspections, and coordinates repairs utilizing city and non-city resources, and starting and maintaining the building generator.
• VehicleMaintenance : Oversees and schedules regular maintenance of the Searcy Police Department’s fleet and coordinates special repairs including obtaining competitive estimates to insure the effective utilization of funds.
• Equipment Maintenance: The Support Division is responsible for the issuance and maintenance of all city furnished equipment utilized in the day to day operations of the Searcy Police Department.
• Information Systems : Responsible for the implementation, maintenance, training, and utilization of the department’s records management software both in-house and in-car as well as provide day-to-day assistance with hardware and other software issues through-out the department.
• Speedstat Trailer: Responsible for the programming, information download, deployment, and maintenance of the department’s Speedstat trailer. This trailer was purchased with funds from a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant in 2003 at a cost of $9235.00.
• Desk Sergeant; Alleviates number of calls off the street to patrol officers by handling telephone and walk citizen complaints.
• Public Relations: Provide daily and special press releases and do personal appearances/training at schools, churches, and civic clubs. Provide tours and information regarding the department and PR materials.

The deployment of police resources is a matter of primary concern in the Searcy Police Department. The Support Division strives to insure the department’s resources are spent in the most efficient way possible. This is done through collecting competitive bids on all major purchases and repairs that are not emergent. Emergent repairs are taken to businesses that have a history of providing a reasonable service at a reasonable rate. The personnel in the Support Division are self motivated and function with minimal supervision. Weekly staff meetings within the division provide a vehicle for participatory management through shared thoughts. Personnel in these meetings are encouraged to voice individual opinions and ideas in order to solicit input and implement worthy suggestions.

UNIFORMS

A number of uniform modifications were permitted by the Chief of Police, as well as approval of a military style dress jacket for senior ranking officers. The new dress uniform is similar in style to the dress uniform used by the Little Rock Police Department. The department purchased twenty-four bullet proof vests through the Department of Justice’s Bulletproof Vest Grant Program utilizing $6192.00 in Federal Grant Funds. The Support Division maintains the inventory of uniforms that are issued and collected from officers and reissues uniforms where appropriate to best utilize resources.

EVIDENCE AND PROPERTY

The Support Division is responsible for the collection, cataloging, storage, and preservation of all evidence and found property. Other obligations include maintaining the continuity of possession of evidence, proper disposal of evidence and property, verification of ownership, the witnessing of the destruction of narcotics, and the disposal of firearms. During the calendar year 2004, 416 pieces of evidence were catalogued for both indictable and non-indictable cases. Evidence from an additional 121 Narcotics cases of use, possession, and sales were processed. There were 151 pieces of found property received, catalogued, and stored. The Evidence Officer made 18 trips to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.

PERSONNEL

At present, the Support Division is comprised of one lieutenant, one sergeant who functions as the “desk sergeant,” one patrol officer, and one civilian animal control officer. Eight civilian dispatchers are also under the support umbrella. This division is a very diverse and unique division that requires special skills to be effective. The list of duties continues to expand everyday. Personnel within the division have done an outstanding job providing service with the limited personnel that are available.

Currently the 911 dispatch center is manned by eight trained and ACIC certified personnel.

EVIDENCE AND PROPERTY

The Support Division is responsible for the collection, cataloging, storage, and preservation of all evidence and found property. Other obligations include maintaining the continuity of possession of evidence, proper disposal of evidence and property, verification of ownership, the witnessing of the destruction of narcotics, and the disposal of firearms. During the calendar year 2004, 416 pieces of evidence were catalogued for both indictable and non-indictable cases. Evidence from an additional 121 Narcotics cases of use, possession, and sales were processed. There were 151 pieces of found property received, catalogued, and stored. The Evidence Officer made 18 trips to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.