Arkansas State Police Commission
ASPC
Summary
The Arkansas State Police Commission provides governance and oversight exclusively over the Division of Arkansas State Police. Its seven members are appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent for seven-year terms and are civilian (no active or former sworn officer requirement found in statute). The Commission approves hirings and promotions, hears binding disciplinary appeals from commissioned officers (removal, suspension, discharge, demotion, or transfer), and may administer oaths and issue subpoenas for witnesses and documents under §12-8-305. It does not independently investigate use-of-force incidents; misconduct is first reviewed by the ASP's Special Investigations Unit before any appeal reaches the Commission.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 7 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | No |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Department of Arkansas State Police Act
- Citation
- Ark. Code Ann. §§12-8-102, 12-8-103, 12-8-204, 12-8-305
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Division of Arkansas State Police commissioned officers