The following was written by one of our longtime contributing officers. He put in to words what a lot of us think but never actually say. And I think he did a pretty good job.

To The General Public,

I owe you an apology. I'm not perfect. All humans make mistakes, and I've paid for every one of them. In thirty years of law enforcement, I've also seen more than you'll ever know. I've taken knives, clubs, guns, drugs and violent people out of cars. Teens and otherwise. I've seen drunk, drugged, and distracted drivers of all ages who've been dangerous to everyone on the road. I've been in more fights than I can count with those drivers and passengers. All the while risking my life because of passing traffic that almost never slows down...much less stops to offer help..

After I got back from N.O., I got a phone call from one of the N.O.P.D. officers. He wanted me to pass on a message to the LEO’s in Arkansas, from the LEO’s in Louisiana and I am proud to do so.

THANK YOU! Your help and support is appreciated more than you will ever know. When things were so bad and we needed so much, it wasn’t the government or the aid groups who came to our immediate assistance, it was the law enforcement community. We don’t know what we would have done without you. We just wanted you to know.

The Arkansas Lawman staff are helping to spread the word and facilitate communications for those who are in need. For the latest requests keep an eye on the editor's blog. Ms. Card will be posting news, requests, and updates as they become available.

Standards is currently updating their contact list of agency phone numbers. If you have contact with them, please include your current agency phone numbers. If the form you are using doesn’t require a phone number, please write your number somewhere on the page.

Arkansas Police Olympics will kick off its 2005 Olympics with a Bass Tournament on April 26, 2005, at the Narrows-Greers Ferry.

Starting point will be at Lacy’s Marina beginning at 6:00 a.m. Two people per boat, only one person needs to be law enforcement eligible. Cost: $40.00 per person and $10.00 extra if you want to enter the big bass competition.

For more info or to register contact Mike Blain at mblain@arkansapoliceolympics.org or David Adams at dadams@arkansaspoliceolympics.org

Prescott P.D. hosted the first of four regional meetings to be held across the state by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police. The January 27th meeting was attended by 23 members from the southwest region. Topics of discussion included current legislative bills, retirement and pension issues and also the ongoing situation with Ford Motor Company and the Crown Victoria patrol cars.

21 officers from 14 agencies attended the course held February 28th through March 4th at the ALETA campus in East Camden.

The course covered the basics of case development, search and seizure, managing informants and courtroom testimony. It also included a segment on explosives and clan labs with emphasis on hazardous materials, cooking methods, precursors and proper chemical suits for handling lab scenes. Handling interviews and interrogations, the legal aspects of using electronic surveillance as well as the equipment itself and the proper handling, packaging and submission of evidence were included. Pharmaceutical drugs, intelligence gathering and an overview of marijuana and indoor grows rounded out the topics.

Arkansas Police Olympics set for June 6th through the 10th Competition will include [list] [*]Shooting events [*]Basketball [*]Weightlifting [*]Bowling [*]Softball [*]Basketball [/list]

The event will conclude with the Trooper Jimmy White Memorial Golf Tournament on June 10th.

A hospitality Day is planned for June 6th with a cookout before the Dart, Volleyball and horseshoe competitions.

Visit www.arkansaspoliceolympics.org for more info.

Law enforcement officers from agencies across Howard County took on fireman and emergency personnel during a fundraising football game.

19 officers and 21 fireman and emergency personnel took part in the game. The 33-26 “Lawdog� victory raised $1000.00 for the Howard County Salvation Army.

The Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy has named May 23rd through the 27th of 2005 for the Multi-jurisdictional Overt/Covert Drug Investigation Course.

This course is tentatively scheduled to include conspiracy and continuing criminal enterprises, surveillance techniques, both physical and electronic, Search warrant preparation and execution which includes a search warrant execution practical. Also scheduled is handling drug endangered children, the strategy of controlled undercover buys and tactical vehicle takedowns along with practicals for both.

These segments will be taught by speakers and field agents with practical experience in the topic area.