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CLEST Director
The CLEST Director is responsible for leading the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training, ensuring the oversight, development, and enforcement of minimum standards for employment, training, and certification of law enforcement personnel across the state. This executive leadership role requires strong strategic vision, policy expertise, and collaborative leadership to promote professional excellence in Arkansas law enforcement.
Class Code:
SPS01C
Job Grade:
LES11
Special Job Requirements:
Typical Functions:
Direct and manage CLEST operations, including policy implementation, staff oversight, budgeting, and interagency coordination. Establish long-term goals and performance benchmarks in accordance with legislative mandates and commission priorities. Lead development and execution of statewide law enforcement training strategies to enhance professionalism, integrity, and accountability. Oversee the development, review, and enforcement of training curricula and minimum employment standards for law enforcement, corrections, and telecommunications officers. Ensure compliance with CLEST rules and regulations and monitor certification processes across state and local agencies. Draft and recommend rules, policies, and standards for Commission approval to support ethical and professional law enforcement practices. Serve as the primary liaison to the Governor-appointed CLEST Commission and report regularly on agency operations and compliance status. Build and maintain partnerships with local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, public officials, academic institutions, and community stakeholders. Represent CLEST in public forums, legislative hearings, professional conferences, and media inquiries as needed. Promote public trust in Arkansas law enforcement by ensuring transparency and high ethical standards. Supervise and lead CLEST management team. Administer the agency’s budget and manage grant funds, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with program objectives.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Strategic thinker with the ability to set statewide standards and long-range goals for law enforcement training and development. Proven leadership in managing complex operations, organizational change, and cross-functional teams. Deep commitment to ethical leadership, fairness, and unbiased enforcement of standards. Ability to navigate sensitive issues with discretion and uphold the integrity of law enforcement across the state. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with law enforcement officials, legislators, and the public. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, especially in high-pressure or politically sensitive environments. Sound knowledge of law enforcement practices, training standards, and regulatory compliance at the state and national levels. Ability to interpret and apply laws, administrative rules, and agency policies in a fair and consistent manner.
Minimum Qualifications:
At least seven years of experience in law enforcement, including five years in a leadership capacity.
Required Certificates:
Must be a certified law enforcement officer in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Exempt:
E