Training Division

The West Memphis Police Department Training Division is devoted to developing the skills and knowledge of both our certified officers and civilian personnel. This division provides comprehensive training to ensure our citizens are provided quality public safety services while being treated with professionalism, dignity, and respect.
All non-certified officers are assigned to training for approximately their first six months of employment. During that time period they receive a departmental and city orientation, firearms training, ten weeks of a field training program, and they will attend the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy at either Camden or Pocahontas, Arkansas. New pre-certified officers will receive an orientation and modified Field Training Officer (FTO) schedule.
The Training Division is also charged with continued education of veteran officers using the most realistic and job oriented training possible. From the time of being first released from new hire training until retirement, officers with the West Memphis Police Department receive training that far exceeds that which is required or recommended by the Arkansas Commission of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Each officer receives up to 100 hours of departmental in-service training each year, consisting of racial profiling, legal updates, firearms, and tactical exercises. The Training Division also researches specialized training from outside agencies and gives recommendations for inclusion in ongoing local training.