Arkadelphia lawman Al Harris hailed as wise, just leader

From Clark County sheriff to Arkadelphia police chief, longtime lawman Al Harris wore many badges.

Harris, who served in law enforcement for about 45 years, died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. He was 79.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran led the Clark County Sheriff’s Office through the late 1980s and early 90s. After the four-term sheriff was defeated by Troy Tucker, Harris put his gift of teaching — he had taught social studies in the mid ‘70s — to work when he trained upcoming officers at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy throughout the ‘90s. He then led the Arkadelphia Police Department until his retirement in 2017.

Peers and colleagues remember Harris as a wise, fair and respected leader.

Current Chief Jason “Shorty” Jackson was among Harris’ students at ALETA. “He was a constant influence in my life from a very early age,” said Jackson, who played football alongside Harris’ son, Al Harris IV.

“I remember how important I always felt as a kid when the sheriff knew my name and would stop to speak to me.” But Jackson also remembers being red-faced with embarrassment during an ALETA speech in which Harris called him out by name. “I had been trying to fly under the radar,” Jackson said with a chuckle. Jackson worked under Harris during his entire 17-year career as chief.

In the early 2000s he started the school resource officer program in Arkadelphia, putting an armed policeman in school buildings for added security.

APD had a fleet of eight or so patrol cars, each of which was shared between nighttime and daytime officers and ran 24 hours a day, when Harris first took the chief position. He saw to it that each officer was assigned to a vehicle, leading to fewer maintenance issues for the fleet.

Toward the end of Harris’ leadership, APD purchased a fleet of hybrid police cars — the cost savings from fuel allowed the city to save enough money to afford cost of living raises for all city employees. 

As chief, Harris fostered inter-agency cooperation between APD and the sheriff’s office, a relationship that police officials say continues today. It would be Harris’ personal attributes that create his legacy.

“He was a wonderful boss and mentor,” Jackson said. “He could give you a Marine Corps talking-to if you deserved it, but you always knew he had your back.”

After retirement at the age of 72, Harris continued to be a mentor for Jackson. “I’m really gonna miss the ability to call someone with that much wisdom and experience,” he said. Harris was also a selfless person who, despite his own failing health, inquired often about officers’ well-being.

“I’m going to miss him immensely,” Jackson said.

Clark County District Court Judge Randy Hill met Harris 40 years ago, when Harris was sheriff and Hill was an attorney fresh out of law school.

“Al was one of the most interesting people I’ve known,” the judge said. “He had a deep sense of justice; he was a very fair person.”

When Harris was the police chief, he was often seen in Hill’s courtroom. “He was always in court, even when he didn’t have to be,” Hill said, adding that Harris started a tradition for Arkadelphia’s police chief to be present at district court proceedings.

Hill joked that, through the years, he had eaten lunch with Harris more times than with his own spouse. “I enjoyed our friendship through the years,” he said. “All the officers I’ve known who worked for Al loved him like a father, and in that respect I did, too.”

Harris was appointed to the chief’s position while Steve Beck was serving as interim city manager. One of Beck’s successors, Jimmy Bolt, recalled leaning on Harris during a period when the city was facing financial hardship. “We made tough decisions together,” Bolt said. “He did an outstanding job in revitalizing the police department.”

Bolt added that Harris was highly committed to the officers on the police force. “He was open to new ideas, and always keen on improving his department and aiding his team,” Bolt said. “He was not just a friend, but also a trustworthy advisor. He frequently shared wisdom from his personal experiences with me. I never found him to disappoint. Many will feel his absence, as I am aware of the significant positive influence he had on others.”