Arkansas town has almost no police protection after tiff over chief’s raise: ‘Matter of life or death’

A small Arkansas police division is bracing to lose greater than half of its police pressure after an area metropolis council rejected approving a pay increase for the police chief.

The Parkin Police Division has a seven-member workers, however is liable to dropping not less than 4 folks over the wage dispute. The police chief already verbally resigned, and three different officers threatened to stop when the town council denied a $12,000 pay increase to Chief Jeremy McNeil, in response to Parkin Mayor Diane Patterson. 

“Because the chief resigned, all of our policemen received up and form of walked out and stated, ‘if he’s gone we’re gone too,’” Patterson informed WREG. “His wage is barely $26,000. Now we have no well being advantages, no retirement, no something for law enforcement officials.”

Parkin is a small city with roughly 700 residents and positioned about 120 miles east of Little Rock.

POLICE EXODUS ‘CRISIS’: OFFICERS ARE DITCHING THE JOB AT A RATE ‘NEVER SEEN BEFORE’

Patterson stated that metropolis council voted 4-2 to disclaim her proposal to spice up the police chief’s pay by $12,000 final week, spurring his verbal resignation. Officers on the division reportedly pull in between $11 to $12 {dollars} an hour, roughly consistent with Arkansas’ $11 minimal wage.

ENTIRE NORTH CAROLINA POLICE DEPARTMENT RESIGNS AFTER NEW TOWN MANAGER IS HIRED

“One thing goes to should be accomplished for the pay,” Patterson informed WREG. “As a result of who’s going to placed on a police uniform for 11 {dollars} an hour when McDonald’s and Walmarts and everyone pays greater than that?”

An indication in Parkin, Arkansas, welcoming guests.  (Parkin Police Division/Fb)

In Arkansas, Walmart associates are paid a mean of $16.01, in response to Walmart’s web site, which is roughly $5 greater than the state’s minimal wage of $11. 

If McNeil’s pay increase had been accredited, he would have acquired $38,000. 

Parkin Metropolis Corridor in Arkansas.  (Google Maps )

One council member informed WREG the pay increase was denied as a result of the town doesn’t have the out there funds to cowl the prices.

GEORGIA COP, 19, RESIGNS AFTER SUSPENSION FOR RELIGIOUS POST ON GAY MARRIAGE: ‘DANGEROUS PRECEDENT’

Patterson stated dropping the officers may have an effect on companies within the city, with house owners allegedly telling the mayor they may shut up earlier within the day to stop changing into victims of crime. 

The Cross County Sheriff’s Workplace will assist reply to emergency calls if the native law enforcement officials formally stop, in response to Patterson. Residents, nonetheless, stated the again up is not the identical as a totally operational native pressure.

“It’s actual essential as a result of, you realize, now we have to attend for the county to get right here if a name goes out or something. It’s a matter of life or loss of life,” Terry Washington, a Parkin firefighter informed ​​WREG. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox Information Digital reached out to the Metropolis of Parkin and the native police division regarding the potential resignations however didn’t obtain quick replies.