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Mayor Names Norman, Okla. Chief To Lead Little Rock Police Department

Daniel Breen
/
KUAR News

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. has named Norman, Okla. Police Chief Keith Humphrey to lead the Little Rock Police Department. 

Scott made the announcement Thursday afternoon, two weeks after the final forum with the four finalists for the job. 

Humphrey, who has led the force in Norman since 2011, edged out Little Rock Police Assistant Chiefs Hayward Finks and Alice Fulk and retired Los Angeles Police Commander Todd Chamberlain for the position leading the department. 

Scott said he came to the decision following input from city government officials and Little Rock residents. 

"It took a lot of time, reflection, listening to our city board members, members of the community, and what I wanted to do is make the right decision as the elected leader of this city," Scott said. "I wanted to make certain that we embodied a new direction, a new day in the City of Little Rock, but I also wanted to make certain that I had someone that had experience."

Humphrey was emotional in accepting his new position at the announcement at City Hall, saying it was a "dream come true."

"I don't think that this city or... this police department is broken, but I do think there needs to be some serious repair here," Humphrey said. "I want you all to hold me accountable."

Humphrey began his law enforcement career in 1988 with the Fort Worth, Texas Police Department, going on to lead departments in Texas and Norman, an Oklahoma City suburb of about 122,000. 

At a forum with members of the public on March 5 at Little Rock's Philander Smith College, Humphrey emphasized the need for change in the department; saying his first priority would be to review all of the Little Rock Police Department's policies, and investigating every complaint the department receives. 

Scott says Humphrey will begin his new job within the next 30 days. 

Daniel Breen is News Director of Little Rock Public Radio.
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