Elected officials in a northeast Arkansas town have voted to create a police department after more than 20 years without one.
KAIT-TV reports the Batesville City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to re-establish the department. The Independence County Sheriff's Department had been providing law enforcement services since 1981, after the city discontinued its police force.
Alderman Chris Poole says the city pays about $1.2 million annually for the county to provide about two officers on duty. He says the city can staff up to about four for the same amount of money. The city's contract with the county will expire in six months.
Mayor Rick Elembaugh says city officials will start considering interim police chief candidates and forming the department next year.
