Press Release
On Friday 1-16-2015, a tire on the Flippin Police Department vehicle assigned to the School Resource Officer was slashed during the homecoming game at the Flippin High School. The Flippin Police Department is encouraging those responsible for this incident to contact Chief Smith or School Resource Officer Perry Deese. The Flippin Police Department will not request criminal charges be filed regarding this incident if the party responsible comes forward to law enforcement prior to the case being turned into the Prosecuting Attorney. The Flippin Police Department will hold the case and if the party responsible has not came forward by Friday January 23rd at noon the case will be turned into the Prosecuting Attorney with a request for a warrant to issue for those responsible. The Flippin Police Department will allow those responsible for the incident to pay for the tire in payments if needed and estimates the costs to be less than $200.00. The Flippin Police Department reminds those who may be responsible for this that the Flippin Schools have cameras and the Flippin Police Department has the opportunity to view the video surveillance. The Flippin Police Department wants to remind those who may only have information regarding the incident, even if they are not responsible for the incident, it is possible that criminal charges be filed for withholding that information. The Flippin Police Department, in an effort to encourage the community to become involved and honest, may offer a small reward if persons provide information that adds to the prosecution of those responsible for this incident.
The Flippin Police Department reminds those responsible that this incident will take budgeted funds for the School Resource Officer Program to make the tire replacement. When unexpected funds have to be spent for repairs like this it takes funding away from the School Resource Officer program that would normally be used to purchase products for children such as Jr. Police Officer badges and coloring books. The Flippin Police Department would prefer this situation be handled without prosecution and funds be replaced into the School Resource Officer Program. Chief Smith reminds those responsible for this incident, and the entire community, of an open door policy to discuss any conflicts with officers of the Flippin Police Department and that committing mischievous criminal acts like this is not only non-productive in solving issues and conflicts but also costs the entire community.
Dusty Smith
Flippin Police Department