Pine Bluff leaders question police dept. issues

PINE BLUFF, AR—The iPhone Chief Brenda Davis-Jones uses is under public scrutiny. A receipt shows the Chief bought the phone, a charger, and stereo plug for $747.

Alderwoman Thelma Walker questioned Mayor Carl Redus about the purchase. Redus admitted he approved the purchase without hesitation.

Walker says the Chief should have waited for an upgrade discount so taxpayers would have saved money.

“That is the question,” said Walker.

In response, the Mayor says Jones needs the latest technology to do her job.

“The chief needs to be able to look at the cameras that we put up,” said Redus.

The discussion ended with Walker telling the Mayor she wants better oversight of the police department’s budget.

“Because usually they do a good job. But now I am not so sure,” said Walker.

However, the Chief disagrees.

“Why don’t you ask me about $300,000 we saved in overtime versus a $700 cell phone,” said Davis-Jones.

Issue #2

Pine Bluff Alderman Bill Brummett wants to know why and how the Assistant Police Chief Ivan Whitfield’s gun is recently found at a crime scene.

Brummett wants the Mayor to answer whether investigation was turned over to State Police.But Redus says he can’t say very much right now because it is an open investigation.

Brummett says in the past the Mayor has agreed to answer questions surrounding the incident and because he hasn’t, Brummett says “borders malfeasance.”