LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Mayor Frank Scott. Jr. is getting a security detail.

That’s according to the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD).

The LRPD confirmed the action on Monday.

Police say safety concerns have prompted the personal protection.

How many officers are being used or how much it will cost is not yet known.

Mayor Frank Scott Jr. releases statement on security detail:
“In the months since I was elected, I have been made aware of serious safety concerns. It is critical to me that I remain accessible and approachable to the people of Little Rock, but I feel that it is equally important that I respect the professionals of the Little Rock Police Department, whose job is to protect all of us from harm.

Then-Intern Chief Wayne Bewley first advised that I accept protection in February. When Chief Keith Humphrey arrived in Little Rock, he made the same recommendation, advising me to accept security detail out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with the best practices of many similarly situated cities around the country. I have accepted the detail because I agree with the Chiefs that the people of Little Rock deserve to know that their mayor is protected and that our police will maintain the rule of law.” 
 

Little Rock City Director Ken Richardson releases statement on security detail: 

“I’m surprised about this reported arrangement. I had no knowledge of this prior to your notification. If this is true, I have several concerns…is this an “appropriate” use of tax dollars, is it even legal? What are the factors that necessitated this request? At what cost would this be to taxpayers in terms of manpower/womanpower and monetary cost? Is there a threshold for this purported arrangement?”