ROGERS — Mayor Greg Hines asked for and received Police Chief Steve Hamilton’s resignation Friday.
“We talked for a few minutes and I asked for his resignation,” Hines said. “Shortly before noon, Chief Hamilton resigned, effective immediately.”
Hines declined to say why he asked Hamilton to resign, but added he took no pleasure in the resignation.
“I appreciate what Chief Hamilton has done for the department since he has been chief,” Hines said. “He got the department certified, an honor we don’t take lightly. I thanked him for his good work and dedication to the department. This was not something I enjoyed doing.”
Hamilton said he and Hines had several conversations over the past few weeks about the direction of the Police Department.
“Mayor Hines has said he had some ideas about things he wanted to see done and was clear about the direction he wanted for the department,” Hamiliton said. “I support him in those ideas.”
Hamilton would not talk about specifics of his conversations with Hines.
Hamilton said he thinks Hines wanted to select his own police chief, not a chief appointed by another mayor.
“I support that as well,” Hamilton said.
Hines disagreed with Hamilton’s statement, noting there are 22 department heads in the city appointed by former Mayor Steve Womack.
“I assure you it had nothing to do with being appointed by Womack. As the executive officer of the city, I must have the utmost trust and confidence in the department heads,” Hines said, indicating Hamilton was not among those department heads he trusted.
Hines appointed Capt. Ron Largent as interim chief. Largent has been with the department more than 20 years.
Largent said he couldn’t comment on the situation and referred questions to Hines.
Aldermen took the news of the resignation in stride, although it took some by surprise.
“I was shocked when I got the message,” said Alderman Bob Goodwin. “I’m anxious to talk to the mayor. I like Hamilton. He’s a fine man.”
“I’m grateful for the service and professionalism Chief Hamilton provided for the city of Rogers. I wish him the best in the future,” said Alderwoman Betsy Reithemeyer.
The process of finding a police chief begins Monday, Hines said. All options are on the table, from looking inside the department to conducting a nationwide search.
“I’ve got an open mind and will consider all the options that present themselves,” Hines said.
Hines did not set a deadline for finding a new chief.
Bentonville Police Chief James Allen was out of town Friday attending a conference and didn’t know Hamilton had resigned.
“I know Hamilton and have gotten along well with him, but I don’t really have a comment other than to wish him well in whatever he does next,” Allen said.
Benton County Sheriff Keith Ferguson said he didn’t know Hamiliton well.
“We didn’t work together, so I don’t know much about him and really don’t have a comment,” Ferguson said.
Several Rogers police officers declined to talk about Hamilton’s resignation.
Hamilton said he isn’t sure what he will do next.
“It’s only been a couple of hours, and I haven’t decided whether I’ll stay in Rogers or move back to Springfield,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton has family in Springfield, Mo., and owns property there.
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Bio Box
Steve Hamilton
Age: 56
Born: Marshfield, Mo.
Education: Bachelor of science degree from Drury University, Springfield, Mo.; post-graduate work at Northwestern University’s Police Academy, Evanston, Ill.
Career: Joined Springfield, Mo., Police Department in May 1977. Served as head of narcotics unit, support services and criminal investigation division. Also worked in patrol division. Retired in June 2008.
Source: Staff Report
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Timeline
Hamilton As Rogers Police Chief
• October 2008: Steve Helms announces retirement as Rogers police chief. He was named to the post in September 2003.
• October 2008: Steve Hamilton named chief by former mayor Steve Womack.
• December 2008: Hamilton said departmental changes “inevitable.”
• January 2009: Helms retires. Hamilton takes reins at Rogers Police Department.
• Spring 2009: Hamilton contracts for review of department operations. Reports finds a lack of training, supervision, professionalism and communication in the dispatch center; criticizes customer service; finds problems with evidence storage. Hamilton institutes reforms.
• November 2010: Police Department gains accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
• Feb. 25: Hamilton tenders resignation at Mayor Greg Hines’ request.
Source: Staff Report