In cities and towns across Arkansas today there are men and women who proudly wear the badge of the Arkansas State Police. Their distinctive uniform which includes the wide-brim campaign hat sets these law enforcement officers apart and without a second glance local citizens know they are in the presence of Arkansas State Troopers.

On March 19th, 1935 when Governor J.M. Futrell and the Arkansas General Assembly approved and signed into law Act 120, known as the Chrip-Carter bill, the Arkansas State Police was born.

The first men to be empowered in Arkansas with statewide law enforcement duties and responsibilities were known as Rangers. Time would pass and the officers would later be called troopers.

For a video retrospective of Arkansas State Police history, watch From Rangers to Troopers under the Historic Media section below.

We are also asking for the public's help in identifying persons and events in our Photos from the Past photo gallery.