What Happened to North Little Rock Police Department?

The North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD) was officially established on April 13, 1904, following the legal combination of Argenta and North Little Rock into a first-class city. Initially comprising Chief Gabe Pratt and six patrolmen, the department has grown significantly to its current force of 188 sworn officers serving a population of about 66,000 residents across 55.49 square miles.

In the early 1990s, the NLRPD pioneered a Community Oriented Policing (C.O.P.) program, strategically placing two major substations in high-crime areas like Washington Street/Rose City and Downtown. This initiative aimed to foster closer relationships between officers and residents, moving beyond traditional reactive policing to a more proactive, community-integrated approach. The department emphasizes principles of integrity, accountability, responsiveness, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

Patrick Thessing was appointed Chief of Police in January 2021. Under his leadership, the department implemented several key advancements, including the establishment of a Real-Time Crime Center, expanded use of technology, and the creation of a Joint Police Academy. These initiatives aimed to modernize policing efforts and improve efficiency.

However, the department has also faced challenges, including high crime rates. In 2025, North Little Rock's violent crime rate was reported at 11.35 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the average U.S. city, placing it in the 2nd percentile for safety. Property crime rates are also notable, with a chance of becoming a victim of property crime being one in 23 in 2021. The department has also dealt with instances of officer misconduct, such as Officer Tommy Norman being jailed for domestic battery in January 2022, leading to his retirement in September 2025, and Officer Jesse Goss facing criminal charges in July 2024 for discharging his weapon during a traffic stop.

In a significant recent development, Chief Patrick Thessing announced his retirement on June 17, 2026, after 31 years of service, with his last day scheduled for June 30, 2026. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family. This leadership transition comes as the department continues its recruitment efforts, with new two-year contracts for police associations signed in January 2025, aimed at retaining and attracting officers. The NLRPD also engaged in community events like the 'Shop With A Cop' program and collaborated with the Arkansas State Police for an independent investigation into a complaint against Mayor Terry Hartwick in December 2025, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and external oversight.

As of June 19, 2026, the North Little Rock Police Department is preparing for a change in leadership with Chief Thessing's impending retirement. The department remains committed to its mission of serving the community with fairness, dignity, and respect, while continuing to leverage technology and community partnerships to address crime and ensure public safety.