BT天堂Police Department – BT天堂News /news BT天堂News Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:32:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.1 UCAPD Deputy Chief Chris Bentley named IACLEA Mid-American Regional Director /news/ucapd-deputy-chief-chris-bentley-named-iaclea-mid-american-regional-director/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:05:17 +0000 /news/?p=27763 Chris BentleyChris Bentley, deputy chief of police for the University of Central Arkansas, has been named a Mid-American Regional Director for the Board of Directors.

IACLEA is the largest professional association devoted to excellence in campus public safety and law enforcement. IACLEA members are police chiefs, public safety directors, law enforcement officers and security personnel at higher education institutions who are responsible for protecting millions of students worldwide. The IACLEA Board of Directors is the elected governing body of the Association, consisting of four officers, eight Regional Directors, three Directors-at-Large, and the Executive Director, who serves as an ex-officio member.

As BT天堂deputy chief of police, Bentley fills a key leadership position within the department鈥檚 command structure. He oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of the department, as well as holding the title of the senior member of the BT天堂Police Department Command Staff.

Bentley has been an integral part of the BT天堂Police Department for over 30 years, beginning his work for the department while he was still a student at BT天堂in 1994. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and community engagement.

Bentley will also be sworn in as president of the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police Sept. 24 and previously served in several roles on the AACP executive board. He has also served as president of the Arkansas Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

About IACLEA

The (IACLEA) was created by 11 college and university security directors who met in November 1958 at Arizona State University to discuss job challenges and mutual problems and to create a clearinghouse for information on issues that campus public safety directors across the country share. Today, IACLEA has 9,000+ memberships, currently filled by 4,000 leaders in campus public safety represented by 1,000+ higher education institutions in 31 countries.

About the University of Central Arkansas Police Department

The BT天堂Police Department provides around-the-clock law enforcement, public safety, emergency management and 9-1-1 services to the BT天堂community. Through a strong philosophy of community oriented policing and solid relationships throughout the campus, the department focuses on protection of persons and property, preservation of the peace, enforcement of state and local laws and university regulations, prevention and repression of criminal activity, emergency preparedness planning, and management and control of parking and traffic on the campus.

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Update and next steps regarding April 19 shooting incident /news/update-and-next-steps-regarding-april-19-shooting-incident/ Sun, 20 Apr 2025 23:32:56 +0000 /news/?p=26755 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

As we close the weekend and look toward the last two weeks of the semester, I want to communicate updates about the shooting incident in the early morning hours on Saturday, April 19. While this is still an open investigation and details will continue to accumulate about what happened, I also want to pass along some of my earliest thoughts about what it means for openness, access, and safety on the campus that we all love and enjoy.

First of all, I want you to know that we are in constant communication with the detectives who are working the case for the Conway Police Department. While I cannot disclose much about those discussions during an ongoing investigation, I can confirm that a second suspect鈥檚 name has been shared, and we can confirm that they also are not a current or former BT天堂student.聽

Now that we have evidence that both identified suspects in the violent and blatant disregard for our community were non-students, we will be pulling leadership across campus functions into an evaluation of the safety and security protocol as it applies to the presence of anyone that is not a student, faculty, or staff member or is not a visitor to campus with official business or attending a sanctioned event.

We are proud of and thankful for the student life and social experiences that tie our community together, but we cannot allow outside actors with zero regard for our organizations, departments, and the university to bring chaos and selfishness to the place that we value and that many of us call home. We will use our safety protocol evaluation to bolster our current security measures as well as identify and implement ways to ensure visitors invited to our campus are aware of and able to abide by our policies.

We continue to be relieved that the brief but horrific display of violence did not have more victims, as many students were present along Donaghey Avenue near that parking lot where shots were fired between two vehicles. The one student bystander that was hit continues to recover at home today and is being supported by their family, our student affairs division, and our academic leadership and faculty.

One thing not mentioned in the email yesterday morning was a thankfulness for the rapid response by UCAPD in getting to the area, securing it, and applying initial first aid including a tourniquet to the one victim before paramedic and emergency medical techs arrived and transported to Conway Regional. While this event is one that we hope to never have to experience, I am thankful for the role that UCAPD and local partnerships with the City of Conway and healthcare facilities play in ensuring that rapid response capabilities join constant patrol and preparation.

I want to again remind all of you that this is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information regarding this case should contact the BT天堂Police Department at (501) 450-3111. We also want anyone that has a need of the BT天堂Counseling Center to know that services are available at (501) 450-3138. For students who may need other support services, you may also contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (501) 450-3133. While we were beyond fortunate that this event was not more tragic, the emotional toll is still very heavy. If you need to talk to someone, please reach out to us and know that you are not alone.

Sincerely,

Houston Davis
President

 

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BT天堂statement regarding on-campus shooting Saturday, April 19 /news/uca-statement-regarding-on-campus-shooting-saturday-april-19/ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 12:00:10 +0000 /news/?p=26749 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

Many of you are waking up to the news of an early morning shooting incident on our campus. While I can thankfully report that this event did not result in a tragic loss of life, it is deeply concerning that something like this can happen on and around a college campus and that violence is becoming so prevalent in our society. This email is intended to provide as much information as possible at this time.聽

At approximately 1:08 a.m., an altercation in the Student Success Center parking lot near the intersection of Donaghey Avenue and Bruce Street resulted in shots being fired.聽

A student, who was a bystander, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to Conway Regional Medical Center for treatment. As of approximately 5 a.m., the student had been released, was home with family, and in good spirits. No other injuries have been reported to police at this time.聽

One suspect is in custody. There is no indication that this individual is a current or former BT天堂student. At this time, we believe this was an isolated incident.

We know that this incident and other campus shootings nationally in recent days and weeks have given us all a sense of anxiety and concern regarding college campus safety. This is a troubling pattern, and we understand and share in that sentiment.聽

We work daily to provide a safe and accessible campus for our students, faculty, staff, and constituents. It takes all of us working together to make this happen. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the BT天堂Police Department at (501) 450-3111.

We will communicate with campus in the event there are additional updates. In the meantime, the BT天堂Counseling Center is available at (501) 450-3138 if students or anyone in our campus community is in need of their services.

Sincerely,


Houston Davis
President

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Inclement Weather Update for Tuesday, February 18, 2025 /news/inclement-weather-update-for-tuesday-february-18-2025/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:21:53 +0000 /news/?p=26047 According to our latest updates from the National Weather Service, our area is in a winter storm warning beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18. Travel conditions could be compromised beginning as early as late morning and continuing through part or all of Wednesday, February 19. In anticipation of possible hazardous travel conditions throughout the region, all classes on Tuesday, February 18 will use the university鈥檚 remote instruction plan. Students should monitor their BT天堂email accounts for information from faculty regarding course activities, assignments, and expectations, as well as syllabus adjustments to the overall course schedule.

Business offices will also move to remote operations for Tuesday, February 18. Weather-essential personnel should report to campus. Supervisors, in coordination with division vice presidents, should communicate with employees regarding on-site staffing. All other BT天堂employees should follow their remote work plan.聽

The modified hours for essential campus services for Tuesday, February 18, are as follows:聽

Dining Options

  • Christian Cafeteria will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut and the C-Store in the Student Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • The C-Store at Bear Village will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check the BT天堂Campus Dining Instagram account @UCADining for the most updated information.

Other Services

  • The HPER Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Torreyson Library will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., after which virtual services will continue to be available via the website.
  • The Ronnie Williams Student Center will be open from 7 a.m. to聽 2 p.m.
  • The Student Health Center will be available for in-person appointments from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Telehealth appointments will be available between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Limited shuttle service between Bear Village and campus will be provided by calling (501) 269-5903. This shuttle is contingent upon there being safe and acceptable driving conditions.聽
  • The IT Help Desk is currently operating on a normal schedule, however, there may be limited staff available to answer the phone. You can leave a message and a member of the Help Desk staff will be in touch, or for faster response and resolution you can submit an online help ticket.

Another email communication will be sent on Tuesday in the early afternoon with information on the operational mode and hours for essential campus services for Wednesday, February 19.聽

As a reminder, any further changes to university operations will be communicated through your university email, as well as the and our official social media channels. In addition, we will also send an alert out via the Safe@UCA 补辫辫.听

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BT天堂Police Department Chosen as Sentinel Project Recipient /news/uca-police-department-chosen-as-sentinel-project-recipient/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:21:38 +0000 /news/?p=25208 Receives TruNarc Handheld Analyzer

BT天堂Police Chief John Merguie with TruNarc Handheld Analyzer

The University of Central Arkansas Police Department announced that it was recently selected to participate in the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership Sentinel Project and has received a Thermo Scientific TruNarc Handheld Analyzer to conduct field-based presumptive exams on suspected narcotics, precursors and cutting agents.聽

The ARORP Sentinel Project is designed to be a substance identifier and early warning system of dangerous drug trends in Arkansas鈥 cities and counties.聽聽

The TruNarc Handheld Analyzer provides safe, economical and efficient field testing of suspected narcotics, delivering clear, real-time results.

鈥淲e are pleased to have been chosen as an awardee of the Sentinel Project.聽 The TruNarc analyzer will help ensure the safety of our officers when analyzing suspected narcotics in the field because in most cases it will not require any direct contact with the substance being tested,鈥 said UCAPD Chief John Merguie.

This project comes with the support of Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry and Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson.聽 The purchase was made possible by Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership Settlement Funding from the opioid abatement partnership between the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) and the Association of Arkansas Counties (AAC).

Several BT天堂officers have already received training from Thermo Scientific regarding the proper use of the analyzer and reporting requirements. The BT天堂Police Department will make the device available to other Faulkner County agencies for substance analysis.聽

ABOUT THE BT天堂POLICE DEPARTMENT
聽The BT天堂Police Department, comprised of 23 full-time sworn police officers, 10 full-time support staff, and several part-time staff, provides around-the-clock law enforcement, public safety, emergency management and 9-1-1 services to the BT天堂community.

ABOUT THE ARKANSAS OPIOID RECOVERY PARTNERSHIP
The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP), an initiative of the Association of Arkansas Counties and the Arkansas Municipal League, represents a network of organizations committed to providing support for Arkansans in recovery, neighbors suffering from a substance misuse disorder, and families who have experienced loss due to the opioid epidemic. The Partnership oversees the strategic disbursement of opioid settlement dollars at the city and county levels. Learn more at:

 

 

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OPERATION SAFE WALK AT UCA /news/operation-safe-walk-at-uca/ Wed, 02 Nov 2016 14:28:09 +0000 /news/?p=10869 The University of Central Arkansas will participate in its seventh Operation Safe Walk event on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Six teams with representatives from the BT天堂Police Department, University Safety Committee, Student Government Association, BT天堂Executive Staff, Physical Plant, Office of Greek Life and Housing and Residence Life will walk throughout campus to identify potential safety issues.

The teams will convene in the parking lot at the campus police department then walk six areas of campus to identify potential safety issues. Teams will then compile a list of hazards, safety issues and suggestions.

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BT天堂RECOGNIZES 2016 NATIONAL CAMPUS SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH /news/uca-recognizes-2016-national-campus-safety-awareness-month/ Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:04:46 +0000 /news/?p=10607 The University of Central Arkansas will observe National Campus Safety Awareness Month in September with weekly events designed to promote safety across the university campus. This is the seventh time the university has observed National Campus Safety Awareness Month.

鈥淐ampus safety is everyone鈥檚 business and we depend on each and every member of the campus community to take an active role in keeping our campus, and each other, safe,鈥 said BT天堂Police Chief Larry James. 鈥淲e are partnering with several departments and student organizations to provide the programming and events during National Campus Safety Awareness Month.鈥

The BT天堂Police Department is partnering with the Student Government Association, the BT天堂Counseling Center, Student Wellness and Development, Student Life, Greek Life, Housing and Residence Life, BT天堂Athletics and other departments and student groups to provide programing on issues including sexual assault, the dangers of alcohol and drugs and pedestrian safety.

A full schedule of events is included.

NATIONAL CAMPUS SAFETY AWARENESS EVENTS LIST 2016

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BT天堂plans Safe Spring Break activities /news/uca-plans-safe-spring-break-activities-2/ Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:28:26 +0000 /news/?p=10137 The Office of Student Wellness and Development and the University of Central Arkansas Police Department have planned a week of safety-related activities to prepare students for their time away from the university during Spring Break.

The week of activities, Safe Spring Break 2016, will take place prior to students leaving campus from Sunday, March 13 to Thursday, March 17. The events consist of several activities designed to provide educational information to students in order to encourage responsible decision-making and prevent or reduce the risks involved in the college Spring Break experience. Spring Break is the week of March 20.

The following events are planned:

SAFE SPRING BREAK 2016

SUNDAY – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 – 16
CAR CRASH SCENE – SHORT-DENNEY BLOCK
How has alcohol impacted you? Students will have the chance to share their experiences with alcohol by writing them on a wrecked car set up on campus. The scene will bring attention to the dangers of drinking and driving by sharing news stories and providing a real-life look at the negative consequences alcohol can have.

MONDAY, MARCH 14
WATER SAFETY PROGRAM – 11:00AM – 1:00PM, AMPHITHEATER
The Corp of Engineers will host a water safety program and the HPER staff will share information about Campus Outdoor Pursuits and Activities. 80 Proof, a student group focusing on alcohol awareness will be on hand to educate students about the dangers of mixing alcohol and water sports.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15
SELF DEFENSE CLASS – 8:00PM, HPER Center – Medium Studio

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
FATAL VISION COURSE 鈥 12:00-2:00 PM, ALUMNI CIRCLE
Students will have the opportunity to ride pedal carts and sign a pledge while wearing vision impairment goggles. This activity is designed to inform students about alcohol impairment and discourage driving under the influence. Safe Spring Break shirts will be given to participants.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17
SELF DEFENSE CLASS – 8:00PM, HPER Center – Medium Studio

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BT天堂observes National Campus Safety Awareness Month /news/uca-observes-national-campus-safety-awareness-month-2/ Tue, 01 Sep 2015 19:02:03 +0000 /news/?p=9464 The University of Central Arkansas will observe National Campus Safety Awareness Month in September with weekly events designed to promote safety across the university campus. This is the sixth time the university has observed National Campus Safety Awareness Month.

鈥淐ampus safety is everyone鈥檚 business and we depend on each and every member of the campus community to take an active role in keeping our campus, and each other, safe,鈥 said BT天堂Police Chief Larry James. 鈥淲e are partnering with several departments and student organizations to provide the programming and events during National Campus Safety Awareness Month.鈥

The BT天堂Police Department is partnering with the Student Government Association, the BT天堂Counseling Center, Student Wellness and Development, Student Life, Greek Life, Housing and Residence Life, BT天堂Athletics and the other departments and student groups to provide programing on issues including sexual assault, the dangers of alcohol and drugs and pedestrian safety.

A full schedule of events is included.

NCSAM EVENTS LIST 2015

 

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2015 Safe Spring Break activities /news/2015-safe-spring-break-activities/ Wed, 11 Mar 2015 19:49:58 +0000 /news/?p=9010 Faculty and staff at the University of Central Arkansas have planned a week of safety-related activities to prepare students for their time away from the university during Spring Break.

The week of activities, Safe Spring Break 2015, will take place prior to students leaving campus from Monday, March 16 to Thursday, March 19. The events consist of several activities designed to provide educational information to students in order to encourage responsible decision-making and prevent or reduce the risks involved in the college Spring Break experience. Spring Break is the week of March 23.

The university’s Student Wellness Office, Counseling Services, Health Clinic, and the BT天堂Police Department are working together to put on the following events:

SAFE SPRING BREAK 2015

MONDAY, MARCH 16

CAR CRASH SCENE DISPLAY – ALUMNI CIRCLE
How has alcohol impacted you? Students will have the chance to share their experiences with alcohol by writing them on a wrecked car set up on campus. The scene will bring attention to the dangers of drinking and driving by sharing news stories and providing a real-life look at the negative consequences alcohol can have. This display will be up Monday through Wednesday.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS VIDEO 鈥 STUDENT HEALTH CENTER 307, 1:40-2:30 PM
This powerful video addresses acquaintance rape, provides safety tips, and is specifically designed for college students.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

FATAL VISION COURSE AND SAFETY FAIR 鈥 ALUMNI CIRCLE, 12:00-2:00 PM
Students will have the opportunity to ride pedal carts and play games while wearing 鈥渄runk goggles.鈥 This activity is designed to inform students about alcohol impairment and discourage driving under the influence. Safe Spring Break tank tops will be given to participants. Students can also learn how to stay safe in the water by visiting guests from the Corp of Engineers. Student Health will be handing out free safety packs and sharing about how to avoid sexually transmitted infections, and the UCAPD will inform students of the legal consequences of drinking and driving.

鈥淒ON鈥橳 DRINK & DRIVE鈥 PLEDGE 鈥 ALUMNI CIRCLE, 12:00-2:00 PM
Students can pledge that they will be responsible on Spring Break by not driving while intoxicated and using designated drivers.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

SAFE PASSAGE VIDEO 鈥 STUDENT CENTER 223/224, 1:40-2:30 PM
This video addresses safety concerns for students traveling over spring break. Topics include hotel security, avoiding scams, and increasing overall personal safety in a different environment.

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