CHIEF KENTON BUCKNER: Responds to criticism.

An anonymous correspondent sent me a memo by Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner responding to a letter of criticism from the Little Rock Black Police Officers Association.

The BPOA had complaints about personnel practices, as well as some complaints about specific members of the force. Buckner had earlier declined to discuss the letter with me as concerning personnel issues. Here’s what he apparently has now said in response.

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Kenton touts training improvements under his leadership and puts some problems down to friction between the BPOA and the Fraternal Order of Police, recognized as the bargaining agent for rank-and-file officers. He said that status “clearly distinguishes the significance of the FOP.” But he said he had an open door for the BPOA and noted the FOP had filed grievances against him. He defended his actions generally on policy violations, hiring, transfers and promotions. He said 33 percent of hires, 43 percent of transfers to specialty units and 41 percent of promotions had gone to black officers.

You can read the full response below.

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