LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock Police Department Interim Chief Wayne Bewley announced his retirement from LRPD on Wednesday after 36 years of service.
“It has been my honor to work for the Little Rock Police Department serving the citizens of this great city for over 36 years," Bewley said. "I started this journey as a police cadet at 19 years of age, and I am announcing my retirement today as the Interim Chief of Police."
“This has truly been the dream job of my life and has provided me the opportunity to experience so many things while working with some of the best police officers anywhere in this country," Bewley added. "I am forever grateful to the City of Little Rock. With that being said, it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life. My last day with the City of Little Rock will be Friday, December 30, 2022."
Bewley, who is a native of Little Rock and a graduate of Parkview High School, joined LRPD in 1986 as a police cadet and began his law enforcement career in 1988 as a police officer. He was promoted to interim chief in June.
“Very few will ever match Chief Bewley’s leadership skills, his credibility with his department and with the public, and his vast institutional knowledge," Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said. "He has remained dedicated to public safety and committed to excellence in law enforcement.
"He has provided needed stability to the police department in the last few months, as he has continued the important and valuable work of LRPD leadership. He oversaw the move into a new headquarters building and the launch of our first-ever Real Time Crime Center. He has advanced LRPD in a positive direction, and I personally appreciate his counsel and his candor during my time as Mayor."
Bewley's last day is Friday.
Mayor Scott Jr. said Assistant Chief Heath Helton will serve as interim chief starting on Saturday and a permanent chief is expected to be named in the next 30 to 60 days.
