Mayor Frank Scott Jr. has a security detail from the Little Rock Police Department, officials confirmed Monday.
In a statement, Scott said he had been made aware of “serious safety concerns” since he was elected.
“It is critical to me that I remain accessible and approachable to the people of Little Rock, but I feel that it is equally important that I respect the professionals of the Little Rock Police Department, whose job is to protect all of us from harm,” he said.
The mayor said he had been advised to “accept protection” in February, by then-interim Chief Wayne Bewley. Chief Keith Humphrey, whose first day on the job was April 15, made the same recommendation, he said, “out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with the best practices of many similarly situated cities around the country.”
Information on the nature of Scott’s security detail, such as the number of officers and the costs, was not immediately available.
When reached by phone Monday, police spokesman Lt. Michael Ford said he was not aware of any other local officials or former mayors having a security detail. He confirmed that a security detail was in place, but said any further information would need to be provided by the mayor’s office.
Read Tuesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.