New state park law enforcement roles considered by Arkansas legislators

According to a request, the positions are “necessary to ensure more efficient services and that the parks are fully staffed for protection and enforcement.”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A subcommittee of Arkansas lawmakers approved one agenda item and reviewed another that together would add seven law enforcement roles to the state’s Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism (DPHT).

The Arkansas Legislative Council’s personnel subcommittee met Sept. 24 to consider the two items presented as requests from the Office of Personnel Management on behalf of DPHT.

The first item requested the reinstatement of a park sergeant role that had previously been vacant for years. Park sergeants are tasked with providing safety at state parks as well as supervising other park officers. 

The request to reopen the role said a new state pay plan should make it easier to fill the position. According to state documents, the role boasts a salary of around $61,000 to $91,000.

“Under the previous pay plan, this position was classified at a lower entry salary and the department was unable to attract qualified candidates. ADPHT believes that filling this position is a crucial component of operation efficiency and visitor safety,” the request says.

Parks Secretary Shea Lewis was present at the meeting and explained to legislators that the position, while vacant for years prior to it being closed, is more likely to be filled under the new pay plan.

A motion to approve the reinstatement of the role passed.

The second request would add five park ranger roles and one park sergeant role. Park rangers have a salary of around $55,000 to $82,000.

According to the request, the positions are “necessary to ensure more efficient services and that the parks are fully staffed for protection and enforcement.”

No vote was taken on the second request.

While the two requests were related to state park security, neither request specifically mentioned any recent events that may have caused a need for increased safety measures at state parks, most notably the murder of two hikers at Devil’s Den in July.

Representative Mary Bentley brought up the incident, asking for an update on the matter from Lewis.

Subcommittee co-chair Representative Les Warren explained to the body that a gag order may prevent Lewis or other parks officials from commenting on the incident, which led to the arrest of Andrew McGann, a 29-year-old teacher from Springdale.

The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is one of about a dozen organizations affected by an order issued on Aug. 28 in Washington County that limits public statements ahead of McGann’s trial.

McGann is accused of killing Clinton and Cristen Brink while they were hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park July 26. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of capital murder and is expected in court next on Nov. 14.

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