There will be a new director of the Arkansas State Police under Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson.
Hutchinson announced Wednesday afternoon that Bill Bryant, a former official with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will be the new director.
“Bill’s extensive experience at all levels within the law enforcement community makes him the ideal person for this key law enforcement position,” Hutchinson said in a statement.
Bryant’s law enforcement career began in 1976. He spent 30 years with the DEA, including 20 years in Arkansas. In 2001, Bryant served as chief of congressional affairs under administrators Donnie Marshall and Hutchinson.
He served as assistant special agent-in-charge of the Little Rock District Office until his retirement in January. He began the role in 2002. Bryant also previously served as a criminal investigator at the Little Rock office from 1991-96, a group supervisor from 1996-98, and resident agent-in-charge from 1998-99.
“I believe the knowledge and experience I have gained over the course of my career in law enforcement has more than prepared me for this new role, and I look forward to serving Gov. Hutchinson and the good people of Arkansas,” Bryant said in a statement.
Bryant will replace Col. Stan Witt, who told Arkansas State Police employees Tuesday afternoon of Hutchinson’s decision to replace him.
“During the transition period which is unfolding within state government, I ask for your support of Arkansas’ new governor and his new State Police Director,” Witt said. “Many people are counting on us to make the transition seamless and continue to build on the trusted reputation the Arkansas State Police has with the citizens of Arkansas.”
Witt was appointed to the position Aug. 27, 2012, by Gov. Mike Beebe. Witt’s law enforcement career spans 39 years. Prior to his appointment, he served 27 years with Arkansas State Police — 15 years with criminal investigation, seven years with the highway patrol, and five years in administration.
Witt, an Imboden native, was also elected Lawrence County Sheriff in 1984.
(The Associated Press contributed to this article.)
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