Month-long program offers no jail time/new court date for all misdemeanors
Benton Police Department announced today a new warrant initiative entitled “It’s a Sweetheart of a Deal.” The month-long program, aimed at reducing the number of active warrants, will take place throughout February.
Chief Scotty Hodges of BNPD said the campaign provides incentive for individuals with misdemeanor warrants to turn themselves in, as it ensures no arrest and a new court date.
“It’s our hope that individuals with misdemeanor warrants will choose to avoid the risk of embarrassment that comes with being arrested at work or home as well as the extra expense from things like tow bills when caught during a traffic stop.” He added that serving warrants also helps bring closure to victims and their families awaiting justice, as many cases are left open or unsettled as a result of individuals not showing up for court dates.
BNPD currently has 1,489 active misdemeanor warrants and 53 felony warrants. Hodges said the goal is to cut that number significantly in the following weeks.
“These kinds of deals don’t come along very often. If you have a misdemeanor warrant, it’s a win-win. No getting stuck in jail waiting on a court date and no warrant hanging over your head. I would definitely take advantage of this opportunity.”
Individuals with a warrant, or who think they may have a warrant, are encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-776-5948 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can also stop by the department at 114 S. East St, Suite 100 to take care of their warrant in person. A full list of active warrants is available at https://bentonpolice.org/divisions/cid/warrants.
Anyone with information regarding a wanted individual should contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Anonymous tips may also be sent via text to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the message or at www.crimereports.com. Tips may also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app available on iTunes and Google Play.
# # #
BNPD strives to provide a professional, progressive, community-oriented police department that serves all citizens with the utmost courtesy and concern for their needs and constitutional rights, with an emphasis on integrity and fairness that instills confidence and pride in the department and promotes a safe and secure community. Follow BNPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benton-Police-Department/2218291745608.
