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A private nonprofit that raises money for the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office has appropriated more than $100,000 for equipment and building projects, most of which are already finished or underway.
The Baxter County Sheriff’s Foundation approved the spending at its most recent board meeting and in follow-up approvals, according to the sheriff’s office. The money is funding work at the administration building, the department’s firing range and the criminal investigation division.
The most visible change for the public is at the front lobby of the sheriff’s administration offices. Clerical staff previously had two windows to handle walk-in traffic, and that has been doubled to four. Remodeling there is still in progress.
At the firing range on Baxter County Road 69, the foundation paid for new lighting and an automated moving target system. The Road and Bridge Department assisted with the lighting installation. The sheriff’s office said the additions expand training options for deputies.
The foundation also bought crime scene mapping software and a laptop for investigators, and a treadmill for the department gym.
Two drug detection and tracking dogs are being purchased and trained with foundation money. The spending also covers a new kennel to house them and the equipment needed to convert patrol vehicles into canine units. The dogs are still in the process of being acquired and assigned.
The foundation additionally funded a drone for investigations and searches for missing people, along with operator licensing and training. The sheriff’s office said that program is still in research and development and is not yet operational.
The Baxter County Sheriff’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered with the Arkansas secretary of state. It is run by a nine-member volunteer board that is not paid, and its stated purpose is supporting the sheriff’s office and its employees. More information is at baxtercountysherifffoundation.org.
