FAQ’s

How can I leave a crime stoppers tip?

There are several ways that you can help us and the community out by giving us information on a crime. However before we go any further Yes you can stay anonymous. First way you can do this is by calling (870)863-4636. The next is by going to the safety and prevention page on this website and clicking the leave a tip button under the Crime Stoppers section. This will ask for you name and phone number however it is not required.

How do I contest a ticket I received?

Tickets or citations are not admissions of guilt and the beauty of our justice system is you can fight against any ticket you receive. If you feel you have been wrongly accused the process is very simple, locate the court date given on the citation, which is located at the top of the ticket, and on that date and time appear in court and be prepared to plea your case in front of the judge. The officer will also appear in court on that date and the two of you, along with the prosecutor and (if you chose) your lawyer, will plea the case in a trial. It will then be up to the judge’s ruling on the outcome. We will not argue the case outside of that setting.

How can I file a complaint on an Officer

All you have to do is come up to the police department, located at 402 North West Avenue, and ask to speak to a supervisor about filing a formal complaint. The supervisor will then provide you with a complaint form. If it is after hours or on the weekend push the silver communication button to the right of the front doors and tell the dispatcher the same thing as above.

Why work for the EPD?

In addition to competitive pay we have distinct characteristics that are the “best of both worlds”. Put another way, we offer big city opportunities/experiences in a smaller town setting. We have officers on several federal and state task forces. As a consequence we have the benefit of specialized training and capabilities often not afforded within a moderate sized department.  We partner with federal, state, and local agencies which greatly enhances our capabilities and reach. Still, your value and contribution won’t get lost in a numbers game. There is room to grow. Bring your “A” game and grow with us!

How do I get an incident or accident report?

If you need a copy of an accident report you may come to the El Dorado Police Department, located at 402 North West Avenue, Monday thru Friday between 8am-4pm. Inquire at the front desk. There is a $10 fee for accident reports.

Can I report a crime online?

No. We know it seems like a modern thing to do but, here are a lot of questions that officers need to ask and there are no “one size fits all” questionnaires. While it is less convenient to you and more labor intensive for us, we prefer to do it the right way. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, it is best done in person or over the phone. So please call (870) 863-4141 and speak with one of our dispatchers. They will either send an officer to your location, or take your information to have one call you.

How do I pay a ticket

I know its a little confusing, but you do not pay your ticket at the El Dorado Police Department. Tickets can be paid in the Union County District Court office at 250 American Road. If you have further questions please call them at (870) 864-1950

What are the requirements to be a dispatcher?
  1. Be a U.S. citizen or able to produce legal work status
  2. Be willing to work 12 hour shifts
  3. Be willing to work holidays
  4. Be at least 18 years of age
  5. Have a basic understanding of computers and use of them
  6. Be able to type
  7. Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  8. You Can NOT have been convicted of any felony, or Violent misdemeanor.
  9. Certain other misdemeanors such as theft, DWI, and failure to appears can also disqualify you
  10. Be able to pass drug test
How much money does a dispatcher job make?

Dispatchers start at $16.72 an hour.

What are the responsibilities of a Dispatcher?

Dispatch is the emergency communications hub for the city. Duties include but not limited to:

  1. Receiving calls for service for police, fire and EMS.
  2. Dispatching calls to the appropriate entities
  3. Logging the calls received with the appropriate information
  4. Being able to locate information and relay it to units using given equipment
What are the requirements to be a police officer?
  1. Be a U.S. citizen or able to produce legal work status
  2. Be willing to work 12 hour shifts
  3. Be willing to work holidays
  4. Be at least 21 years of age
  5. Have a basic understanding of computers and use of them
  6. Be able to type
  7. Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  8. You Can NOT have been convicted of any felony, or Violent misdemeanor.
  9. Certain other misdemeanors such as theft, DWI, and failure to appears can also disqualify you
  10. be able to pass drug test
How much money does a police officer make?

Our base pay includes time as a certified officer and includes holiday pay.

Base starting pay starts at $21.32 an hour ($46,733.44 a year after holiday pay). However time as a certified officer, college degrees and law enforcement certificate level will increase starting pay. Also officers with prior experience get immediate credit toward their starting pay.

  • Officers with 1-5 years of experience start at $22.31hr/$48,903.52yr*
  • Officers with 5-10 years of experience start at $23.11hr/$50,657.12yr*
  • Officers over 10 years of experience start at $24.19hr/$53,024.48yr*

*includes time incentive and holiday pay, not certificate and education incentives. An example of including them would be a 5 year officer with a Bachelor Degree and an Intermediate Certificate would start at $25.23hr / $55,304.16 yr.

EPD also offers excellent health benefits. Please call for further information

What opportunities do police officers have at the EPD?

EPD has many opportunities for progressing in this field including:

  1. Bomb Squad
  2. Narcotics Investigations
  3. Detectives
  4. S.W.A.T
  5. K-9 Handlers
  6. Firearms Instructors

Along with the opportunities to get on several federal and state task forces such as:

  1. Arkansas Render Safe Taskforce (FBI Bomb)
  2. 13th Judicial Drug Task Force (DTF)
  3. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC, FBI)
  4. Fugitive Apprehension Task Force (U.S. Marshals)
What is the pay and benefits offered to Police Officers?

Starting pay ranges from $46,733.44-$60,038.88 annually depending experience, education, and certification level. We have generous benefits for officers including paid health insurance for employees, a take home police unit, vacation that starts at three weeks a year and progresses up to six, sick leave (13.3hrs a month) that accrues up to 720 hours. The unused sick leave is payable upon retirement. Upon completion of training, if not before, a take home unit is supplied. Patrol officers work 12 hour shifts with every other weekend off. There are regular overtime opportunities. Uniforms and equipment are provided with a $300.00 a year additional equipment allowance for patrol. Non uniformed officers in Administration, Detectives, and Narcotics receive $900.00 annually in clothing allowance.

Transfers/Certified officers qualify “immediately” for incentives of 1, 5, and 10 year anniversary raises, education and certificate pay. For example a certified officer with 5 years experience with a Bachelor Degree and an Intermediate Certificate would start at $25.23hr / $55,304.16 yr.

What days and times is the downtown considered the Entertainment District?

The downtown area is considered the Entertainment District on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 2:00am. After 2:00am the district rules are no longer in effect.

When are opened alcoholic containers allowed outside of district establishments?

Open alcoholic beverages are allowed during recognized district days and times, but only in plastic cups provided by establishments within the Entertainment District area.

Alcoholic beverages in opened cans are only allowed during special events like Music Fest.

Opened alcoholic beverages in bottles are NEVER allowed.

What are the boundaries of the Entertainment District?

Entertainment District Map

Is it permitted to play music from my vehicle in the district?

NO. No loud music is allowed other than that sanctioned and sponsored by the city and the events occurring in the district. Loud noise ordinances and laws apply to all outside gatherings.

Can't I just bring my own alcohol and drink it in my car?

NO. Open containers are not permitted at any time in vehicles. All local and state laws apply to drinking in a vehicle.

Can I bring my own alcohol and ``tailgate`` on a parking lot in the district?

NO. Alcoholic beverages purchased outside of Entertainment District establishments are not allowed in open containers in the district.

Don't see your question answered here?

To say there are complex issues in law enforcement would be an understatement. We don’t mind trying to clear up what we are able to. If you have a question or something you’ve wondered about let us know. While this isn’t the place to discuss specific cases, recent events or handle complaints it is open to questions about law, procedure, and other things police do that you may have wondered about pertaining to law enforcement. We’ll post questions and answers that will be archived and available for others to learn form as well. Rest assured, we will not use your name or e-mail address in the response.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US
402 N West Ave.
El Dorado, AR, 71730

Non-emergency numbers:

(870) 881-4800

(870)863-4141