http://www.hempsteadcountyar.com/

Hempstead County Sheriff, 312 South, Hope, AR (2026)

06/01/2026

LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE HEMPSTEAD COUNTY HOSPITAL TAX

To the Citizens of Hempstead County:

As Sheriff of Hempstead County, I have dedicated my career to protecting the lives and safety of the citizens we serve. Public safety is about more than law enforcement—it is about ensuring that every person in our community has access to critical emergency services when they need them most. For this reason, I strongly support the proposed sales tax dedicated to sustaining and improving our local hospital and its 24-hour emergency services.

Let me begin by saying that I am not a fan of raising taxes. Like many of you, I understand the burden that taxes place on working families, businesses, and individuals. As an elected official, I believe every tax proposal should be carefully scrutinized and supported only when there is a clear and compelling need. In this case, I believe that need exists.

It is also important to remember that this is not a permanent tax. The proposed sales tax contains a sunset provision and will expire after ten years. This gives our community the opportunity to invest in a critical service while ensuring that the tax does not continue indefinitely.

Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and first responders rely on having a fully functioning emergency room available in Hempstead County. When a serious automobile accident occurs, when a child suffers a life-threatening injury, when a heart attack or stroke strikes without warning, every minute matters. The availability of 24-hour emergency medical care can mean the difference between life and death.

Our deputies regularly respond to traffic collisions, violent crimes, medical emergencies, overdoses, and incidents involving vulnerable individuals. In many of these situations, immediate access to emergency medical treatment is essential. If emergency services were unavailable locally, patients would face longer transport times to hospitals outside our county. Those additional miles and precious minutes could significantly impact patient outcomes and place additional strain on our emergency responders.

The hospital is also a critical partner in public safety. It provides medical evaluations for crime victims, emergency treatment for injured deputies and first responders, mental health crisis intervention, and essential healthcare services that contribute to the overall well-being of our community. A strong hospital strengthens the entire public safety network.

As Sheriff, I understand the responsibility of being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. However, I also understand the devastating consequences of not having adequate emergency medical services available when they are needed most. The question we must ask ourselves is simple: What price can we put on a human life? What value do we place on knowing that when our loved ones face a medical emergency, help is available close to home and without unnecessary delay?

Supporting this sales tax is an investment in the future of Hempstead County. It is an investment in our families, our businesses, our first responders, and our quality of life. Communities with reliable healthcare services are stronger, safer, and better positioned for economic growth and development.

As someone who has witnessed tragedy firsthand and has seen the difference that timely emergency medical care can make, I believe preserving 24-hour emergency services in Hempstead County is one of the most important investments we can make. The proposed tax will help ensure that our citizens continue to have access to lifesaving care close to home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I respectfully encourage the citizens of Hempstead County to vote in favor of this important initiative. Together, we can help preserve a vital resource that serves every resident of our county and protects the health and safety of our community for generations to come.

Respectfully,
Sheriff James Singleton
Hempstead County

05/22/2026

This Memorial Day, Sheriff James Singleton and the men and women of the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Their courage, dedication, and love for this country will never be forgotten. As we gather with family and friends, let us pause to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their sacrifice.

May God bless our fallen heroes, their families, and the United States of America.

05/22/2026

To the Officers and Staff of the Hope Police Department,

Sheriff James Singleton and the men and women of the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Officer Keith Powell after his long illness.

Officer Powell’s dedication and faithful service to the citizens of Hope will always be remembered and appreciated. His commitment to protecting and serving his community reflects the honor and professionalism that define law enforcement officers everywhere.

The loss of one of our own is felt throughout the entire law enforcement family. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Powell’s family, friends, and every member of the. We stand beside you in mourning the loss of a fellow officer and friend.

May God grant comfort, strength, and peace to all who knew and loved Officer Powell, and may his memory continue to live on through the service and example he leaves behind.

With deepest sympathy,
Sheriff James Singleton
and the Men and Women of the
Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office

05/20/2026

Seat Belts Saves Lives

Buckle Up May 18 – May 31, and Every Day

Hempstead County, Arkansas — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs May 18-31, 2026. “Seat belt use should be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Sheriff James Singleton “During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Not buckling up could mean a ticket, or worse, risking a life.”

In 2024, there were 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.8% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.

One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained occupant fatalities happen at night (56% between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.). Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

Buckle Up the Right Way

· Place the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and away from the neck.
· Lay the lap belt across the hips and not the stomach.
· NEVER place the seat belt behind the back or under arms. “We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up in the front and back seats and to consider changing their habits if they don’t,” said [Local/State Law Enforcement Official]. “Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to remember to buckle up.”

For more information on the Click It or Ticket seat belt high-visibility enforcement campaign, please visit NHTSA.gov/ClickIt.

04/16/2026

Plan for a Safe and Sober Ride on 420 — and Everyday

Hempstead County, Arkansas — Ahead of April 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding drivers that it’s illegal in every state and territory to drive under the influence of drugs. On “420” — a number associated with ma*****na — some might observe a day of increased ma*****na use. But, no matter the day, the message is the same: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.

“Driving while impaired by any substance — legal or illegal — puts you and others in harm’s way,” said Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton “It’s a common and dangerous misconception that people drive better when they are high,” reminds Sheriff Singleton
Driving high has serious and deadly consequences. A NHTSA study, from 2019-2021, showed that 26% of drivers seriously injured or killed in crashes tested positive for ma*****na.

If someone sees a friend who is about to drive high, they should take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. And, if anyone spots an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.

Drugs, including ma*****na, affect driving abilities, which puts everyone on the road at risk. It has been proven that ma*****na can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. These are all unsafe driving behavior that can cause serious injuries or death in a crash.

A key to preventing impaired driving is to plan ahead. Designating a sober driver — that’s someone who won’t be drinking or using drugs — is one option. Other options include booking a rideshare or using a taxi.
Join NHTSA in sharing the lifesaving message, If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. For more information on drug-impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving

03/26/2026

Heroic Act Award
Citation

Recipients: Deputy Ricky Pennington and Deputy Matthew Whitney
Date of Incident: March 22, 2026
Location: Washington, Hempstead County,

The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office hereby recognizes Deputy Ricky Pennington and Deputy Matthew Whitney for their exceptional courage, decisive action, and life-saving efforts during an emergency response to a severe animal attack on March 22, 2026.

At approximately 11:17 a.m., Deputies Pennington and Whitney responded to a reported dog attack involving a young child who had sustained critical injuries and significant blood loss. Upon arrival, the deputies immediately assessed the severity of the situation and rendered urgent medical aid under high-stress and rapidly evolving conditions.

Deputy Pennington swiftly applied a tourniquet to the child’s injured leg, effectively controlling life-threatening hemorrhaging. Concurrently, Deputy Whitney administered bandaging to the child’s head wounds to further stabilize the victim. Their prompt and coordinated actions were instrumental in preserving the child’s life until advanced medical personnel arrived on scene.

As the situation continued to develop, the deputies also responded to a second attack by the same animal, during which an additional individual was injured. Faced with an immediate and ongoing threat to human life, Deputy Pennington took decisive action to neutralize the animal, thereby preventing further harm.

The professionalism, training, and composure demonstrated by Deputies Pennington and Whitney directly contributed to the survival and stabilization of the injured child and the protection of others present. Their actions reflect the highest standards of law enforcement service and exemplify the commitment of the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office to the preservation of life.

For their outstanding performance and life-saving intervention, Deputy Pennington and Deputy Whitney are hereby awarded the Heroic Act Award.

Presented this 26 day of March, 2026

03/26/2026

NHTSA and Hempstead County Sheriff Remind Drivers to
Drive Phone-free

Hempstead County, Arkansas — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign is reminding drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences — including fines — of texting and other forms of messaging behind the wheel.

From April 9-13, 2026, law enforcement nationwide will work together to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Cell phone use, texting and other activities that don’t contribute to safe driving are all forms of distracted driving. In 49 states, including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal.

According to NHTSA, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, data collection limitations show that these figures are likely lower than the real figures.

“Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes,” said [Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton “It is dangerous, it is illegal, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences,” he said.

Safe driving can be adopted by these phone-free driving habits:
Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.

Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive.
Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.

Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.
For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/Distracted.

03/23/2026

Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office
Date: March 23, 2026

Dog Attack Incident Under Investigation in Washington, Arkansas
On March 22, 2026, at approximately 11:17 a.m., deputies with the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported animal attack at a residence located on Northwest North Street in Washington, Arkansas.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 4-year-old juvenile had been attacked by a dog, resulting in significant injuries. Deputies immediately rendered emergency medical aid, including the application of a tourniquet and bandaging to control bleeding.

Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly thereafter, and the juvenile was transported to a nearby location for air medical evacuation to Arkansas Children’s hospital for advanced treatment.
During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the dog involved in the incident was not current on vaccinations.

Deputies instructed the owner to secure the animal for transport to a designated facility for mandatory quarantine and evaluation. While attempting to contain the dog, the animal exhibited further aggressive behavior and attacked an adult at the scene, causing additional injuries.

Due to the immediate threat to public safety, a deputy discharged his service weapon, striking and killing the animal. No further injuries were reported following this action.

The injured adult was transported to a local medical facility for treatment. The deceased animal was subsequently transferred to a licensed veterinary clinic for rabies testing. Results are pending.

As a result of the investigation, the dog’s owner was issued a citation for violation of county ordinance related to the ownership or harboring of a vicious animal. A court date has been scheduled.

This incident remains under investigation by the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office.

03/12/2026

Make a Plan for a Sober Ride Before St. Patrick’s Day
Festivities Begin

Hempstead County, Arkansas — St. Patrick’s Day 2026 celebrations will take place across the country on and around Tuesday, March 17. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges drivers to remember that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option. Join NHTSA and The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office in sharing this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Every year, dozens of people are killed when they choose to drive drunk during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. According to NHTSA, 38% (284) of the traffic fatalities that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day holidays between 2019-2023 involved drunk drivers. In 2023 alone, there were 63 fatalities in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, of which 44 involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher.

“Embracing St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions is one thing; engaging in the deadly behavior that is drinking and driving is another. Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk,” reminds Sheriff James Singleton “Our community has seen firsthand the devastation and loss caused by alcohol-impaired driving, along with the lasting pain it inflicts on families, friends, and entire communities. We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the reminder that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Drinking and driving is not an option, but making sure someone sober will be behind the wheel is,” he said.

Local authorities are urging everyone to celebrate the holiday safely by making a plan before the festivities begin. The most important step is arranging for a sober ride in advance — whether that means designating a sober driver, using a taxi service, or booking a ride share. Because alcohol clouds a person’s judgement, designated drivers should be prepared to help others who failed to plan ahead find a safe and sober way home. Community members are also encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

03/02/2026

Dear Sheriff and Members of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office,

On behalf of the men and women of the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office in Hope, Arkansas, I want to extend our deepest condolences to you, your department, and the families of the two deputies whose lives were so tragically lost.

There are no words sufficient to ease the pain that accompanies the loss of a law enforcement officer—much less two. When a deputy falls, it is not only a loss to their family and their agency, but to the entire law enforcement community. We share in your grief, and we stand with you in prayer and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time.

The badge we wear binds us together across county and state lines. Though miles may separate Christian County, Missouri and Hempstead County, Arkansas, we are united by the same calling—to protect, to serve, and to stand in the gap for our communities. Your deputies’ sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We were especially proud to see the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Honor Guard represent the sheriffs of Arkansas with dignity and professionalism at the funeral service. Their presence was a visible reminder that your fallen deputies were honored far beyond your county and your state.

We are particularly proud of Hempstead County’s own Lieutenant Michael Braddock, Commander of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Honor Guard Unit. Under his leadership, the Honor Guard carried themselves with the respect, discipline, and solemn reverence that such a moment demands. It was a privilege for our office to be represented in honoring your deputies’ lives and service.

Please know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant comfort to the families, strength to your deputies, and peace to your community in the days ahead.

With deepest sympathy and respect,

James Singleton
Sheriff
Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office
Hope, Arkansas

Hempstead County Sheriff

06/01/2026

05/22/2026

05/22/2026

05/20/2026

04/16/2026

03/26/2026

03/26/2026

03/23/2026

03/12/2026

03/02/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category