Huge news in Pine Bluff overnight. Press release from Mayor Shirley Washington’s office is below.
July 19, 2021 11 pm
Mayor Shirley Washington tapped retired Arkansas State Police (ASP) captain Lloyd A. Franklin Sr. CFE as interim police chief for the Pine Bluff Police Department. He brings over three decades of law enforcement experience to the post, all of which he gained at ASP.
Franklin earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He began his law enforcement career at the state police in 1979 as a corporal while progressively promoting up the ranks of the department.
In 2000, Franklin was appointed state fire marshal, where he was responsible for overseeing and enforcing the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Later, he gained certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner. Franklin’s training is extensive; including training in the areas of racial profiling, firearms, drug enforcement, homicide investigation and human resource management.
Immediately preceding his retirement, retired Colonel Winfred Phillips chose him to lead Troop E in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Phillips described his relationship with Franklin:
“During my service as Colonel for the Arkansas State Police, Captain Franklin was an integral part of my command staff, overseeing Troop E. We worked closely together for over twenty years. I grew to trust and admire him both professionally and personally. He will serve Pine Bluff well.”
Washington has experience working with Franklin having appointed him to the Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency
“Lloyd Franklin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He is well respected by his colleagues, old and young. He has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service and law enforcement and I welcome his leadership to the department”, said Washington
Franklin displayed poise to serve.
“I appreciate the mayor’s confidence in my ability to lead the department through its transition and search for a permanent police chief. My goal is to ensure the department keeps its focus on providing the citizens of Pine Bluff with superior public safety services that will allow for a great quality of life”, Franklin said
He is married to Evelyn Franklin, a father and grandfather. He and his family attend New Jerusalem Baptist, where he serves on the Board of Trustees.
