Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has appointed retired Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton as the new director of the Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (ADLEST), bringing decades of law enforcement experience to the state agency responsible for officer training and professional standards.
The appointment was announced Wednesday following a recommendation from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST), which serves as the governing body overseeing ADLEST. CLEST regularly meets to address issues involving law enforcement officer certification and the standards required for local agencies across the state.
Helton recently retired after a long career with the Little Rock Police Department, where he spent 30 years serving in a variety of roles. During his career, he worked as a patrol officer, detective, Recruit Training Sergeant, and SWAT Sergeant before moving into leadership positions within the department.
Officials said Helton’s experience includes serving as a commander for seven years, during which he led both the Special Operations Division and the Training Division. He later became chief of the Little Rock Police Department, a position he held for three and a half years before retiring.
As director of ADLEST, Helton will oversee an agency that plays a key role in preparing and supporting law enforcement officers throughout Arkansas. The division operates three law enforcement training academies that provide instruction for state, county, municipal, and other law enforcement personnel.
The agency is also responsible for maintaining professional standards within the law enforcement community. Through its Standards Division, ADLEST establishes minimum hiring requirements and sets expectations officers must meet throughout their careers.
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State officials said Helton’s background in training, operations, and department leadership makes him well suited for the role. His appointment comes as Arkansas continues efforts to maintain consistent training and professional development standards for law enforcement agencies statewide.
“Heath is a consummate professional and is known for his integrity and sound judgment,” Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Col. Mike Hagar said. “He earned his stripes serving Arkansas’ capital city during some tumultuous times, always maintaining a reputation for professionalism, credibility, and reliability.”
Throughout his time with the Little Rock Police Department, Helton was involved in several areas of public safety, from frontline policing to specialized operations and leadership. His career included both direct service in the community and responsibility for preparing future officers through training programs.
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The ADLEST director position places him at the center of statewide efforts to support law enforcement agencies and ensure officers receive proper education and preparation before and during their careers.
With his appointment, Arkansas officials are looking to build on the division’s mission of strengthening law enforcement training, improving professional standards, and supporting agencies across the state. Helton’s extensive experience in policing and administration is expected to guide the agency as it continues its work with officers and departments throughout Arkansas.
