The city of Jonesboro has a new police chief. Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin appointed Lt. Rick Elliot to the position during a reception yesterday in the Municipal Courtroom. Elliot began his career as a reserve officer in Jonesboro in 1979. Two years later, he was hired as a full-time officer with the Blytheville Police Department. He came back to Jonesboro in 1992 and worked his way to become a lieutenant. Perrin discussed what stood out about Elliot.
“Today, we mark a new era,” Perrin told a large crowd in attendance at yesterday’s press conference. “I believe we are need of someone who can bring a new, fresh management style within this department, but also someone who has immediate trust with the citizens, the administration, and this department in itself. Fortunately, we were able to find such a candidate from within the ranks of this department. I am excited to name Rick Elliot as the new police chief of the Jonesboro Police Department.”
With that announcement, the crowd erupted in loud applause. Elliot’s wife, Melissa, pinned the badge on her husband to make it official. The new chief had his thoughts on the new assignment.
“It is no secret that I believe the policing is one of the noblest professions that a person could ever take,” Elliot said. “It has incredible rewards and responsibilities. My appointment sends a powerful message to the new rookie and the most experienced professionals on this force. I want to thank the men and women of this department for their dedication that they have maintained during the many challenges this department has faced.”
Elliot knows about working his way to the top of a department. In his career, he has served in both patrol and criminal investigation divisions, served as the head of the K-9 unit, and led the Crisis Negotiation Team, among other jobs. The new chief acknowledged the department has work to do to gain the trust of Jonesboro citizens.
“This department has faced great challenges over the past few years,” he said. “It is of no surprise to anyone who reads the paper and sees the news that our department has been tested and criticized. We take this scrutiny seriously. There is no one harder on the Jonesboro Police Department than us.”
Elliot says one of his main goals is to establish trust with the citizens of Jonesboro.
“I promise an open, accountable and accessible police department, responsive to your concerns,” Elliot stated. “It is my hope that someday support for our department will be strong across every neighborhood and from every sector of society. We will work to earn your trust. We will reduce crime, fear and disorder in our neighborhoods, while treating you with dignity and respect. I consider this our down payment in earning your trust.”
That is the new police chief of Jonesboro, Rick Elliot. Elliot will have his first meeting as chief of police with Mayor Perrin today.
