Helena-West Helena Assistant Police Chief Ronald Scott reports that revisions need to be made to an ordinance establishing rank structure for the police and fire departments to determine the eligibility for testing for promotions of police and fire department employees.

“We are currently staffed with 26 certified officers including 7 sergeants, 6 lieutenants, 4 captains, an assistant chief and a police chief,” noted Scott.Scott said the department is waiting notification from the Civil Service Commission as to when the next round of tests will be conducted.Scott said he believed that the Civil Service Commission is expected to meet again on May 22 to set the next test date.

City Council members expressed concerns regarding whether or not the police department has enough officers to protect the citizens of Helena-West Helena. “Chief Wallace and myself are working right along side our officers and doing what we have to do to protect our citizens,” commented Scott.