Benton Courier - Reactions mixed on Sipes' decision to leave

By Jillian Duke
Courier Staff Reactions are mixed on the impending departure of Benton Police Chief Gary Sipes.
Officer Bobby Shell, a code enforcement officer, said he’s happy for Sipes’ new opportunity as Jacksonville police chief, but said he’s disappointed that Sipes is leaving “because we could use his knowledge.”
But, Shell said, “The city has to move on and we have a job to do.”
Shell said he appreciates Sipes’ knowledge concerning code enforcement.
“I think he was a good chief and since he’s brought code enforcement under the police department, the city looks better and code enforcement has received more respect because of the knowledge he’s given us,” Shell said.
Sipes served as code enforcement director for the North Little Rock Police Department before coming to Benton a little more than four years ago.
David Mattingly, chairman of the relatively new Citizens’ Public Safety Committee, said, “Benton’s loss is Jacksonville’s gain. Chief Sipes is a good man and a dedicated public servant. He was a real asset to the committee, supplying information as needed, and was supportive of our efforts.”
He said Sipes’ biggest challenge in Jacksonville “will be hiring, training and retaining competent people at a competitive salary.”
Alderman Greg White said he believes there is “a lot of internal strife” in the police department under Sipes’ leadership.
“I was unaware he was searching for another position, but at the same time, there was a lot of public pressure on him because of mishaps in the past,” White said. “I think there was morale issues within the force that this might help clear up.”
White did not list what morale issues, nor was he specific about any “past mishaps.”
White said that during Sipes’ tenure, the department lost 49 officers for various reasons.
“I had requested last year that (Sipes) conduct exit interviews so we could have an idea of what the reasons were for (officers) leaving and if there was something we could do to help resolve this, whether it be financial issues,” White said.
Based on a study that indicated Benton is 4 percent below the market on wages for city employees, White the council is working toward employee raises. He said wage increases “are built into the 2008 budget, and there will be a wage increase there as soon as it moves forward in the Budget Committee.”
White said the position of Benton police chief “should be a prime job for somebody when they know Benton’s crime rate is low. I feel sure that we’ll find the right person. Mayor [Rick] Holland and Kathy Kirk in human resources are capable of finding the right person.”
Holland said White’s assessment of low morale was unfair.
“For someone to say that morale is low in the Benton Police Department does those men and women a misjustice,” the mayor said. “They are mature and professional officers who know their job and are willing to perform that job on a daily basis. They’re not children.”
Alderman Brad Moore said he wants what is best for Benton, and “as a citizen of Benton, I’d prefer that my police chief lived in town, and hopefully, we’ll find a qualified candidate who’s willing to do that.”
Sipes has lived in the Jacksonville area, where he has family members, during his tenure as chief.
Holland said policies and procedures adopted by the City Council do not require the police chief to live in Benton. He said, however, that he would like for the next chief to live in the city.
Moore added that he’s happy for Sipes. “He obviously sought out that position and got that job and I’m happy for him that he’s able to better himself,” Moore said.
Referring to the survey that White mentioned, Moore said the general consensus among aldermen and the mayor is to “fill that gap. We’re working to get that 4 percent raise for city employees across the board.”
Alderman Bill Donnor provided glowing remarks in response to the news of Sipes’ resignation.
“I hate to see him leave, but I hope this is a good move for him and his family, and I wish him the best of luck,” Donnor said. “He was a very good chief.”
On the alleged morale issue, Donnor said: “I’m unaware that the morale is bad. As alderman, though, I always left personnel goals to the chief. My goal as alderman is to give them the equipment and provide them with a good-working environment. My job as an alderman is to legislate, not administrate.”
Donnor said he feels certain that “Mayor Holland will do an extensive search, and I hope he finds someone with the same qualities of Chief Sipes and someone with his professional experience.”

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]