Dear Editor
Mayor Hazel E. Pruitt’s Statement Concerning Gould Police Department
I am serving my first term at Mayor for the City of Gould.
I inherited city issues and immediately tried to rectify them, but obstacles were already placed in my path. I was not aware of any certification deficiencies in the Gould Police Department until there was an unannounced onsite standard evaluation. The assessment was performed by two staff members of the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards on Training in April of 2023.
After, the evaluation, I asked the Chief of Police if the deficiencies were being corrected and he told me, “yes”. Later, I asked again and he said, “Yes, all officers were up to standard”. I could get no other information from him.
Therefore, I am disheartened that the City of Gould has to continue experiencing negative publicity that impacts the moral of all private citizens. I ask any citizens who have concerns or information they wish to share to know that my door is always open.
As a new mayor, I am still learning and know that if we work together as a community, we can work to make Gould a better place for its citizens.
Mayor Hazel Pruitt
July 21, 2023
