Community Outreach

PHILLIPS COUNTY

The responsibilities of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office go beyond its core law enforcement and corrections functions. The Sheriff’s Office strives to enhance and improve the lives of those it serves through a variety of programs and services. 

The Community Outreach Unit strives to create and preserve a feeling of safety and security within our communities. The Unit establishes and maintains a true partnership with all our citizens in order to provide the most responsive, highest quality law enforcement service possible. The Unit makes every effort to initiate and maintain lasting partnerships with the community; treat citizens with dignity, respect, fairness, and compassion; utilize and maintain high standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics as well as foster a productive working relationship with other law enforcement agencies.

The division is responsible for various community projects, school resources deputies, elementary school presentations/programs, and the crossing guards. The division interacts with businesses and neighborhood groups to support crime prevention programs, and coordinates the Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program.

DEPUTY BELINDA GENTRY IS THE KEY TO OUTREACH RESOURCES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND IS AVAILABLE TO HOST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.

PHILLIPS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

ACTIVE SHOOTER - HOW TO RESPOND

PROFILE OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER:

An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Active Shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Typically, the immediate deployment of law enforcement is required to stop the shooting and mitigate harm to victims.

Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes before law enforcement arrives, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

GOOD PRACTICES FOR COPING WITH AN ACTIVE SHOOTER:

1. Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.

2. Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.

3. If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door.

4. If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door.

5. As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate him/her.

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!

IF YOU HEAR SHOTS OR SEE WEAPONS:

1. If you are outside and hear gunshots, immediately seek shelter in another building or escape to a safe area away from the sounds of the gunshots.

2. Call 911 when you are in a safe location. Give the police dispatcher as many details as possible about your location, the location of the individual with the weapon, or the location of the gunshots. Include the number of persons involved, description of armed subject(s), weapons displayed, locations of victims, direction of travel, threats made, etc.

3. Stay low to the ground and away from windows and doors.

4. Remain in a safe location until you receive instructions from police.

5. Remain calm!

IF YOU ARE PRESENT WHERE A SHOOTER IS ACTIVE: 

1. AVOID: Leave the area immediately. If necessary, break windows or glass to get out of the area. Run in the opposite direction of the disturbance or shots, cover your head with books or other items for protection. DO NOT stop running until you are in a safe area. If police officers are in the area, listen and comply with all of their commands. Raise your hands to keep them in plain sight so you are not perceived as a threat to the police.

2. DENY: If you choose to stay in your room, DO NOT leave until instructed to do so by a police officer. LOCK YOUR DOOR! Stay away from and below any window. Position furniture or other items in front of the door. Turn off the lights and call 911. Give the police dispatcher as many details as possible about your location, the location of the individual with the weapon, or the location of the gunshots. Include the number of persons involved, description of armed subject(s), weapons displayed, locations of victims, direction of travel, threats made, etc. Describe the problem and location.

3. DEFEND: If the first two options do not work, defend yourself and those around you. Utilize any objects available to you to distract or interrupt the actions of the shooter.

WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES:

1. Drop items in your hands (bags, jackets)

2. Raise hands and spread fingers

3. Keep hands visible at all times

4. Avoid quick movements toward officers, such as holding on to them for safety.

5. Avoid pointing, screaming, or yelling.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Emergency Services: 9-1-1

Local Police Department: (870)-572-3441

Local Fire Department: (870)-572-6547

Local FBI Field: (501)-221-9100

The Phillips County Sheriff's Department is providing this information to help citizens stay safe in the event of an active shooter situation. Listed above are the emergency numbers in your area. If you are ever in need of assistance, feel free to call one of the numbers listed. Stay safe!!

On 4/20/2023, Phillips County Sheriff's Deputy Belinda Gentry visited JF Wahl Elementary School to speak with 90 preschool-age children about the ins and outs of being a sheriff's deputy. She also read books to the children and passed out a few goodies. Deputy Gentry and others from the Phillips County Sheriff's Department enjoy going out into the community and helping in any way they can. Below are a few pictures captured at the school.