Batesville Arkansas Police

06/05/2026

***** IMPORTANT MESSAGE******

Last June, I issued a 'Letter from the Chief' outlining the positive transformations achieved within the department during my inaugural year. I believe it is essential to provide the public with an ongoing update regarding the continued progress of your police department.

Our officers remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, striving for continuous improvement each day. Through rigorous and ongoing training, our department is better equipped than ever to serve the diverse needs of our community.
Our Patrol Division remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety, actively responding to calls for service with vigilance. The Criminal Investigation Division continues to work diligently, ensuring thorough resolutions for every case assigned to our investigators. Furthermore, our Administrative Division is tirelessly enhancing our operational efficiency, implementing the necessary checks and balances to pursue department accreditation.

The City of Batesville is served by some of the most dedicated and skilled professionals in law enforcement, and it is a privilege to lead such an exemplary team.
While last year’s report emphasized organizational transformation, I invite you to note the significant increase in our officers' operational workload this year. This agency remains proactive and resolute in our mission to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

The following was reported to the Batesville Police Department.
Year Reported
2024
2025
Calls for Service
12,575
15,559
Incident Reports
646
776
Arrest
308
376
Citations
128
2,473
Warnings
210
3,163
Accidents
592
549

Operational Highlights & Strategic Advancement
Our department is aggressively advancing our operational capabilities through elite-level training and the deployment of life-saving technology. We are not just maintaining standards; we are setting new benchmarks for public safety in Batesville.
Advanced Tactical Proficiency: Officers are mastering high-stakes building-clearing techniques, shifting from deliberate to dynamic responses for active-threat and barricade scenarios.
Specialized Readiness: Ten officers completed intensive SWAT training, while another achieved certification as a Hostage Negotiator, significantly bolstering our crisis response toolkit.
Full-Scale Equipment Deployment: As of 2026, 100% of our patrol officers are fully trained and equipped with both Tasers and AEDs, ensuring immediate life-saving intervention is available at every scene.

Holistic Officer Wellness: Our peer counseling team continues to evolve, providing critical support and ensuring our personnel remain resilient and focused on community service.

06/03/2026

********* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *********

Batesville Police Department to Conduct Multi-Agency Training Exercise on June 18,
2026
The Batesville Police Department will be conducting a
multi-agency law enforcement training exercise on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in the area of
14th Street between Byers Street and Neeley Street in Batesville.
Residents in the area may notice an increased presence of law enforcement vehicles,
emergency personnel, and training-related activities throughout the day. Portions of the training
area may experience temporary traffic disruptions; however, every effort will be made to
minimize inconvenience to the public.
The training is strictly an exercise, and there is no threat to public safety. Personnel will be
present to help inform residents and motorists of the ongoing training activities.
The Batesville Police Department remains committed to providing professional law enforcement
services and recognizes the importance of continuous training to ensure officers are prepared to
respond effectively to critical incidents.
We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we conduct this important
training.
For additional information, please contact:
Lt. Rob Leonard
Batesville Police Department
710 S. St. Louis Street
Batesville, AR 72501
Phone: 870-569-8111

04/26/2026

Today, April 26th, a bomb threat was called in at the local Walmart Store. After an extensive search by area Law Enforcement, the threat was not verified as credible.

We would like to thank the Arkansas State Police and Independence County Sheriff's Office for their assistance.

Investigators from the Batesville Police Department, as well as our Federal Partners, will be conducting a thorough investigation into the persons responsible for the threat.

04/17/2026

The Batesville Police Department is looking to locate the occupants of these two trucks who drove the area of 21st and Byers Streets on the date of April 15th, 2026 at approximately 8:45 PM. They are possible witnesses of an Arson. Persons with information, please contact the Police Department at 870-569-8111.

04/15/2026

“SCAM WARNING”

If anyone receives this message. It is a scam, do not respond to it.

04/13/2026

The two suspects have been identified. Thanks everyone for the help.

The Batesville Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying these two individuals pictured. They are believed to be involved a counterfeit money investigation. Anyone with information about the identity is encouraged to contact the Batesville Police Department at 870-569-8111. Tips may remain anonymous.

04/08/2026

https://www.batesvillepolicear.gov/press-releases/psa-beware-of-slight-change-email-scams

Please be aware of a surge in business and personal payment scams. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, and are using email addre

04/02/2026

**SCAM WARNING**

We've received calls about an individual making phone calls claiming to be with the Batesville Police Department. These callers are saying that they work at the Batesville Police Department.
During the calls, the caller stated that the individual has a warrant, and needs to pay to stay out of jail.

The Batesville Police Department does not accept gift cards or anything for payments and we do not call people to tell them they have a warrant or missed jury duty.

04/01/2026

***S*X OFFENDER NOTICE***
Dawson V.H. Wade is a level 4 S*x Offender, who resides within the city limits of Batesville, Arkansas in the 1200 block of N. St. Louis Street.

*Alert*

• The Batesville Police Department is releasing the attached information to pursuant Act 1740 and 1743 of 2001 and guidelines provided by the S*x Offender Assessment Committee established by that law.
• The individual who appears has been convicted of an offense that requires registration with the Arkansas Crime Information Center. This individual is not wanted by law enforcement authorities at this time. No action on your part is required other than the type of alertness and caution that increases the safety of individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities. Should you observe suspicious behavior on the part of the individuals, do not take action on your own, but immediately notify law enforcement.
• This notification is not intended to cause alarm. Nor, may you use this information to intimidate or harass the person identified. Harassment of any individual is against the law. If you feel you need further information about the dynamics of s*x offending, you may contact the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, R**e, and Domestic Violence, 4301 W. Markham, Slot 606, Little Rock Arkansas, 72205.

03/26/2026

WILLIAMS WAS FOUND AND IS OK!!!!

MISSING PERSON****************

Michael C. Williams, age 36, was last seen on March 9th, 2026, from his residence. He will possibly be in a tan 2005 Jeep with Arkansas license plate number BJV52N.
If anyone has any information on Mr. Williams, please call the Batesville Police Department at 870-569-8111 or local dispatch at 870-698-2450.