I would like to congratulate Mayor Washington and city leaders on the selection of Lloyd Franklin, Sr., as the newly appointed Chief of Police for the City of Pine Bluff.  

The selection of a police chief for any city is the Mayor's single most important and consequential appointment, as public safety is most vital.  The right leader can make all the difference -not just in crisis situations, but in the daily trial of working closely with police officers to keep citizens safe.   

I believe that most city leaders and the community-at-large have felt as though they have a vested interest in a selection process that will result in an outstanding leader that can build mutual trust between police and community.  The selection should result in a leader that recognizes that a strong management team can institute reforms that will improve the quality of life for all citizens and make their neighborhoods feel safer.  Whether caring and responsible or perceptively hostile, law enforcement agencies embody the values and culture of the jurisdictions they represent.  Indeed, the stakes have been very high for the entire community.

People are the foundation on which leadership is built, good leaders cultivate good followers.  Chief Franklin is an exceptionally smart leader, a man of keen intellect, and will serve the Pine Bluff Police Department and citizens well. With more than 30 years within the law enforcement profession, he brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience to the Pine Bluff Police Department.  Chief Franklin also has strong ties to the Pine Bluff community, which is very important.  I am confident that he will be a leader to usher in positive change while helping to cultivate future leaders.  I look forward to working with him and continuing our partnership with the Pine Bluff Police Department.

Sincerely,

Lafayette Woods, Jr.
Sheriff