Law Enforcement Standards Office
Eric Wacaster
Deputy Director – Standards
Eric Wacaster began his career in law enforcement with the Hot Springs Police Department in 2005. He served in several capacities including Patrol Officer, Detective, Special Operations Officer, Special Operations Sergeant, SWAT Officer, SWAT Commander, Training Coordinator, and Training Sergeant. Mr. Wacaster has over 3,000 hours of law enforcement training and has taught over 1,400 hours as a law enforcement instructor. He holds a Senior Law Enforcement Certificate and is a certified professional law enforcement instructor in multiple subject areas including ALERRT Active Shooter, Firearms and Tactics, Operational Planning, Use of Force, Constitutional Law, Search and Seizure, Less Lethal, Leadership, and Defensive Tactics. Mr. Wacaster retired from Hot Springs Police Department in 2020.
Mr. Wacaster began his legal career as a Deputy Prosecutor for the 18th Judicial District East in Garland County, where he prosecuted a variety of criminal offenses in Garland County District and Circuit Courts, before joining DPS as General Counsel for the Arkansas Department of Public Safety’s Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2023.
Jason Lawrence
Deputy Director – Training
Jason Lawrence began serving as Deputy Director of Training for CLEST on November 13, 2023, when he joined the division from the Garland County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as Undersheriff.
Mr. Lawrence previously worked in the Victim Witness Assistance Unit of the 18th East Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and as Court Administrator for the District Court of Garland County. In 2015, he joined the Garland County Sheriff’s Office as Chief Deputy before being promoted to Undersheriff in 2017.
He is a certified law enforcement instructor in areas including Firearms Tactics, ALERRT Level 1, Crisis Intervention Training, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, ALS Less than Lethal, and Vincent Parks Law. He holds a Senior Certificate in Law Enforcement, is the Assistant Coordinator for the Troop K Child Abduction Response Team (CART), and a former Task Force Officer for the Western Arkansas Fugitive Task Force (WATF).
Brian A. Johnson
Senior CLEST Agent
As the Compliance Manager for the Standards office, Brian A. Johnson is responsible for monitoring agency compliance with CLEST rules, establishing an audit compliance schedule, and performing field audits. He is also responsible for issuing Basic through Senior Certifications, analyzing out of state training and non-certified training for acceptance and, issuing Specialized Police, Part Time I, Part Time II and Auxiliary Police Certifications. Brian is a certified instructor and teaches various topics in the Law Enforcement Basic Academy for ALETA and BRTC. He also assists other state and municipal agencies in training. Brian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UALR and is a U.S. Army veteran.
Calvin Bishop Jr.
CLEST Agent
Calvin Bishop Jr. joined the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training in October 2023. He is responsible for the training and compliance of Jail Standards for the State of Arkansas. He monitors and audits Jailer/Detention officer’s compliance throughout the state in accordance with Jail Standards. He also conducts several Basic Jailer Course academies and host several Upper Management Jail Courses throughout the year. He is a certified training instructor with a host of skill sets in various areas of corrections, jail, probation and parole, courtroom bailiff, and police officer. He is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and DeVry University in Arlington, Virginia in Criminal Justice/Cyber Security and believes in “Pride in who you are and Professional in what you do.” Calvin should be contacted with any questions related to jail training.
Amie Martin
Senior CLEST Agent
Amie M. Martin is a Senior CLEST Agent.
Amie.Martin@dps.arkansas.gov
Amanda Chaney
Coordinator – Critical Incident Training
Amanda M. Chaney is a Training Instructor at the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. She began her employment with the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2020. Her teaching responsibilities include Firearms Instruction, Sexual Harassment, Racial Profiling, Cultural Diversity, Police and People with Disabilities, Investigations, Traffic Stops, and Juvenile Law. Mrs. Chaney is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the basic cadet classes, and assisting in instruction of advanced courses offered at our Central ALETA Campus. She has a Criminal Justice degree from College of the Ouachitas and graduated from ALETA Class 2004-B. She was previously employed by Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office as Corporal, School Resource Officer, and Detective; Saline County Sheriff’s Office as Detective; and the Arkansas State Police as a CACD Investigator. She specializes in Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Crime Scene, Juvenile Law and Traffic Stops.
Sterling Penix
Coordinator – Criminal Detention Facilities Review
Sterling Penix began his service with the Criminal Detention Facilities Review Office in January of 2015. Coordinator Penix, a career Arkansas public safety / criminal justice professional, launched his career in 1998 as a County Jail Detention Officer. In time, he served as a Deputy Sheriff and municipal Police Officer. While a college student, he volunteered and worked at the campus police department. Coordinator Penix holds a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’s degree in education (human resource development), and an associate’s degree in law enforcement. He earned a paralegal certificate and has completed a range of additional criminal justice, law enforcement, and public safety programs and trainings. Coordinator Penix served as an adjunct Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement instructor for an area university in partnership with a local high school and is a long-time volunteer with a range of community groups, county boards, professional organizations, as well as state and national associations.
Taylor Reavis
General Counsel
Taylor Reavis, a native of Little Rock, joined the CLEST staff in 2023 as General Counsel.
She completed her undergraduate education at Louisiana State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. Driven by a passion for justice, Taylor pursued legal studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Bowen School of Law. She began her career first in private practice specializing in family law and later becoming a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office.
As General Counsel for the Division, Taylor is committed to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement. She is responsible for reviewing requests for Law Enforcement Officer decertification, conducting Law Enforcement Officer decertification hearings before the Commission, ensuring compliance with State and Federal laws, and the promulgation of rules for the Division.
Serving on various boards and committees, she is dedicated to community service and involvement. Taylor is an active participant in CASA, St. Joseph Center of Arkansas, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the UALR Student Mentor Program.
Kreasha Williams
Legal Services Specialist
Kreasha Williams joined the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2020.
Kreasha graduated in 2005 from Southeast Arkansas College with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology. Before joining CLEST, Kreasha worked for fifteen years as a private practice paralegal. As the Legal Services Specialist for the Commission, Kreasha assists in reviewing and preparing decertification cases and promulgating agency rules.
Barbara Harper Varnell
Education and Instructional Coordinator,
ACADIS Manager
Barbara Harper Varnell joined the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2023 as the Educational and Instructional Coordinator.
She is responsible for curriculum review and development, online course development, and research. As ACADIS manager, she is responsible for establishing and implementing online training, portal management, and staff training on ACADIS software issues and applications. Barbara has a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership with Curriculum Director and Principal Certifications as well as a Master of Business Administration Degree from Harding University and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management Degree from John Brown University. She spent 12 years in public education as a teacher, facilitator/coordinator and principal. Prior to her education career, she worked in banking as a lending officer for 14 years.
Deitre Wilkins
Administrative Specialist – Jail Standards
Deitre Wilkins joined the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2023. She assists the CDFRS Coordinator with Annual Review Reports and inspections of all City, County and Juvenile facilities in the State of Arkansas. She tracks and logs all Jail Standards complaints, processes Juvenile Reimbursement Program requests, manages the travel logistics for the CDFRS Coordinator, receives FOI requests for Jail Standards records, schedules facility inspections and coordinates Review Committee meetings and correspondence. She also researches and keeps track of the jail population in the State, complaints/concerns related to jails, and helps coordinate holding cells inspections. Deitre should be contacted for any questions related to jail standards.
Deitre.L.Wilkins@dps.arkansas.gov
Phone: (501) 324-9493
Stephanie Quiroz
Education Specialist
Stephanie Quiroz joined the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2023. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2023. Stephanie serves as a support specialist assisting with our online courses and part-time/specialized/auxiliary course progression and enrollment. She also assists officers with course enrollment and problem solving in our record management system database. Stephanie should be contacted for questions related to lesson plan approvals, part-time/specialized/auxiliary course questions, and questions related to any of the online courses in ACADIS.
Sheena Edwards
Administrative Specialist
Sheena Edwards joined the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2024. She is the first voice you hear when you call our office for assistance. She handles all incoming calls and assists officers when they are locked out of their ACADIS accounts. If you don’t know who you need to talk to in our office, call the main line. Sheena will listen to your issue and make sure you get forwarded to the right person to assist you.
Andriana “Dani” Oliver
Administrative Specialist
Dani Oliver joined the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2024. She serves as the primary point of contact for ACADIS portal administrator requests, creating officers’ CLEST ID numbers, processing officer name changes and contact information changes, clearing officers to attend the Basic Academy, and approving officer training hours. She is also the primary point of contact for officer certification approvals at the Basic and General level as well as radar operator and instructor certifications. She additionally serves as backup point of contact on employee status changes. Dani should be contacted for all questions related to Basic and General certifications, clearing officers for the Academy, radar operator and radar instructor certifications, and portal administrator requests.
Molly Wrigley
Administrative Specialist
Molly Wrigley joined the Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2024. She serves as the primary point of contact for all things related to employee status changes. She processes new hires, employee separations, employee changes in status, ACIC checks, and National Decertification Index checks. She also assists with answering incoming calls and ACADIS portal/password resets. Molly should be contacted for all questions related to any employee status changes.
ALETA – East Camden
Juan Reyes
Supervisor
Juan Reyes is a Training Supervisor at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and has been employed at ALETA since 2009. His areas of expertise are in Criminal Investigations, Arkansas Statutes and Criminal Procedures. He is responsible for Advanced Course Scheduling, AV Equipment, Internal Investigations, Telecommunications Program, ACADIS Program, Marijuana Field Tech Program, Coroner Training Program, Course Review, Class Photos, Evaluations, Public Information along with other duties. Mr. Reyes holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science/History from Southern Arkansas University and also attended one year of Law School at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He has extensive training in Criminal Investigations along with other Law Enforcement Advanced Training.
Ronnie Pool
Senior Agent
Ronnie Poole is a Senior Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been employed at ALETA since 1994. His teaching responsibilities include Traffic Accident Investigation, Basic Firearms, P.P.O. Basic Firearms, Firearms Instructor, Use of Force, EVOC, Field Training Officer, Tactical Shooting, Drug Enforcement, O.C./Pepper Spray and MILO Force Science. Mr. Poole attended Southern Arkansas University Tech.
Erin Smelser
Senior Agent
Erin Smelser is a Senior Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. She has been employed at ALETA since 2013. Her teaching responsibilities include Physical Training, Interviewing Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Children, Juvenile Law, Investigation and Case Preparation of Domestic Violence Cases, Domestic Situations Practical, Firearms Qualification, Ground Fighting, Missing and Exploited Children, 911 Calls Involving Children Practical, Principles of Investigating Process, SFST, Human Trafficking, ALERRT, Misdemeanor and Felony Traffic Stops. Ms. Smelser is the coordinator for the Law Enforcement Refresher Course, Women Behind the Badge, Criminal Investigation, Basic Class along with Physical Training Instructor.
Jonathan Chambers
Senior Agent
Jonathan Chambers is a Senior Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been employed with ALETA since 2020. His teaching responsibilities include Drug Enforcement, Patrol Drug Interdiction, Investigative Detention, Probable Cause, Basic Firearms, K9 Deployment, Officer Survival, Physical Training, and Field Training Officer. Before coming to work at ALETA Mr. Chambers was employed with the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force, as a Drug Agent, and the Camden Police Department where he worked in Patrol and Investigations. He graduated from ALETA with Class 2009-A. Mr. Chambers has an Associate of Arts degree with an Emphasis in Law Enforcement from Southern Arkansas University Tech and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Southern Arkansas University.
LaRhonda Moore
Senior Agent
LaRhonda Moore is a Senior Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. She began her employment with the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training in 2022. Her teaching responsibilities include Ethics, Civil Rights Criminal and Civil Liability, Duty to Intervene, Search of Premises, Basic Firearms, Child Abuse Recognition, Interviewing Victims, Sexual Assault Investigation, Burglary and Robbery Investigations, and Officer Survival. She also assists with the following practical’s, Self-Aid Buddy Aid, Firearms Orientation, Crisis Intervention, Baton Strikes, ALERRT, and Range/Milo. Before coming to work at ALETA Ms. Moore was employed with the Camden Police Department where she worked in Patrol and the Criminal Investigation Division. She graduated from ALETA with Class 2008-A.
Brian Billings
Senior Agent
Brian Billings is a Senior Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been employed at ALETA since 2022. His teaching responsibilities include ALERRT, CRASE, First Aid/CPR, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics and Ground Fighting, Crowd Control, Civil Process, CIT, Patrol Drug Interdiction, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Traffic Accident Investigation, Vehicle Stop and Approach, and EVOC. Mr. Billings is also the coordinator for the Law Enforcement Refresher Course. He was previously employed by the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office, UAMS Police Department, and most recently serving as a Patrol Sergeant with the Caddo Valley Police Department. He also serves as one of the state’s Drug Recognition Expert Instructors.
Jason Parker
Senior Agent
Jason Parker is a Senior Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been employed with ALETA since 2022. He began his law enforcement career at the El Dorado Police Department in 2008. During his time there is served as a Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Firearms Instructor, SWAT Team Leader, and Patrol Sergeant. In 2014 he left the El Dorado Police Department to take a position at ALETA. In 2017 he was hired as the Patrol Captain at the Union County Sheriff’s Officer where he served as training supervisor and SWAT Team Commander. In addition to his law enforcement experience, he holds a Bachelor of Science – Criminal Justice degree and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Southern Arkansas University.
Michael Galbraith
Senior Agent
Michael Galbraith is a Senior Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been employed with ALETA since 2023. He began his law enforcement career in 2014 at the Union County Sheriff’s Office where he worked until he left to begin his employment with ALETA. He graduated from ALETA, Class 2015-B. During his time at the Union County Sheriff’s Office he served as a K-9 Handler, SWAT Operator, Patrol Sergeant, Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer, Narcotics Investigator assigned to the 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Patrol Lieutenant. His teaching responsibilities include Firearms Instructor, Drug Enforcement, Patrol Interdiction, EVOC, Civil Process and Radar/Lidar.
Grant Williams
Agent
Grant Williams is an Agent at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been employed with ALETA since 2024. He began his is law enforcement career in 2016 with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a Wildlife Officer. Since then, he has served as Sergeant with the Ouachita Baptist University Police Department in Arkadelphia. Prior to his law enforcement service, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources and Recreation Management from Henderson State University.
Curtis Sharp
Computer Support Manager
Curtis Sharp is the Computer Support Manager at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Michelle Stokes
Basic Training Coordinator
Michelle Stokes is the Basic Training Coordinator at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Sue Albritton
Administrative Assistant – CLEST Commission
Sue Albritton is the CLEST Commission Administrative Assistant and Assistant to the Director, where she has been employed since 1993. She is responsible for all Commission records keeping, compiling agenda items and correspondence. Ms. Albritton studied at the Southeastern Technical College in Georgia and Southern Arkansas University Tech.
Kori Smelser
Administrative Assistant II
Kori Smelser is the Administrative Assistant at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Pam Sanders
Receptionist
Pam Sanders is the Receptionist at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Kimberly Stinnett
Food Prep Manager
Kimberly Stinnett is the Food Prep Manager at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, where she’s been employed since 2014. Her duties include training new hires, handling discipline, ordering food and beverages, equipment and supplies. She also oversees food preparation and other kitchen operations, inspects supplies, equipment and work areas. Kimberly ensures that employees comply with health and food safety standards, addresses complaints and manages budgets for the kitchen. During busy periods, managers may expedite service by helping to serve food or clean tables.
Kimberly Hammock
Food Prep Supervisor
Kimberly Hammock is the Food Prep Supervisor for the morning shift at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. She has been employed with ALETA since 2008. She directly supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food. She inspects supplies, equipment and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards. Kimberly trains workers in food preparation by conducting inservices on sanitation and safety procedures. She records production and operational data on specified forms and also assigns duties, creates menus for classes, interacts with salespeople and helps the department head as much as possible.
Peggy Mahan
Food Prep Supervisor
Peggy Mahan is the Food Prep Supervisor for the evening shift at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. She has been employed with ALETA since 2007. She directly supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food. She inspects supplies, equipment and work areas to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards. Peggy trains workers in food preparation by conducting inservices on sanitation and safety procedures. She records production and operational data on specified forms and also assigns duties, creates menus for classes, interacts with salespeople and helps the department head as much as possible.
CENTRAL ALETA (CALETA) – Benton
Joe Duboise
Supervisor
Joe Duboise is the Supervisor at the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (CALETA). He has been employed with CLEST since 2017. He is responsible for the oversight, planning, organization, execution, and direction of the Basic Police Training Course and Advanced Courses offered at the Central ALETA Campus. His teaching responsibilities include ALERRT Level 1, Firearms Instructor, Vehicle Stop and Approach, Handcuffing, and Baton Training. He is currently pursing a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. Mr. Duboise graduated from ALETA-Camden Class 2012-D and was previously employed by the Malvern Police Department as a K-9 officer and the Rockport Police Department as a corporal on shift. Mr. Duboise started his law enforcement career in 2001 after obtaining Part-Time II certification. He was also employed for ten years as an Emergency Preparedness Lieutenant at the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Scott Rosson
Supervisor – Advanced Training Section
Scott Rosson is Supervisor of the Advanced Training Section of the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. His employment with the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training began in 2019, where he served as a Training Supervisor at ALETA in East Camden. His teaching responsibilities include Interviewing, Interrogation and Confessions, Burglary and Robbery Investigations, Basic Firearms, Baton Training, Domestic Violence Practical’s, Physical Training and Arkansas Medicolegal Death Investigation. Mr. Rosson retired from the Camden Police Department after serving 28 years. He retired at the rank of Captain, having served as Department Commander in both Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions.
Kelvin Sergeant Sr.
Senior Agent
Kelvin Sergeant Sr. is a Senior Agent at the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. His employment with the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training began in 2021, where he was a Training Instructor at ALETA in East Camden. His law enforcement career got started in 1995 at the Pine Bluff Police Department. Sergeant has served on task forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tri-County Drug Task Force. He retired as the Chief of Police for the Pine Bluff Police Department in June 2021. He is a graduate of the Police Executive Development Course at the Federal Bureau of Investigation/University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Chief Executive Leadership training for Chiefs of Police at the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, the Arkansas Leader – a prestigious program presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation/University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Police Staff and Command course from Northwestern University, and the Texas Department of Public Safety’s polygraph school. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Venida Armstrong
Administrative Assistant
Venida Armstrong is the Administrative Assistant at the Central Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
NORTHWEST ALETA – Springdale
Clint Scrivner
Supervisor
Clint Scrivner is the Supervisor at the Northwest Campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He is responsible for the oversight of planning, organization, execution and direction of the Basic Police Training Course and Advanced Courses offered at our Northwest ALETA Campus. Mr. Scrivner is a graduate of the 434th session of the Northwestern University: Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff Command. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Delta State University.
Gregory Harrison
Senior Agent
Gregory Harrison is a Senior Agent at the Northwest Campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. He has been employed at ALETA since 2016. His teaching responsibilities include Juvenile Law, Off Duty Encounters, Racial Profiling, Accident Investigation, Firearms Instruction, Decision-Based Scenarios, and MILO Video Simulation. Mr. Harrison is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the basic cadet classes, and assisting in the coordination and instruction of advanced courses offered at our Northwest ALETA Campus. Mr. Harrison graduated from ALETA Class 1987-C and was previously employed by the Springdale Police Department for 28 years, where he completed his service cycle in 2015.
Kurtis Sutley
Agent
Kurtis Sutley is an agent assigned to the Northwest ALETA campus. Sutley began his career with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and retired as a patrol sergeant with the Fayetteville Police Department in 2023. Throughout his career, Sutley served as a law enforcement instructor in many disciplines. He was a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, an Accident Reconstructionist, an Honor Guard Commander, a Crime Scene Technician, and holds the title of Instructor Emeritus from The International Association of Chiefs of Police in the Drug Recognition Expert program, Standardized Field Sobriety and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement. He completed advanced supervisor training with the Missouri State Police and the Criminal Justice Institutes School of Law Enforcement Supervision.
Shannon McCuin
Education and Instruction Coordinator
Shannon McCuin is a Training Instructor/Coordinator at the Northwest Campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. She has been employed at ALETA since 2020. Her teaching responsibilities include the Telecommunicators program. Mrs. McCuin is responsible for instructing, coordinating, and developing curriculum for Telecommunicators as well as designing and developing online curriculum. Mrs. McCuin has worked in public safety for over twenty-four years. She was a key player in getting standardized Telecommunicator training in Arkansas and was one of the founding persons who helped get HB1741 passed, now known as Act 640 of 2011. This made standardized training available in the State of Arkansas. She was part of the team which created the Basic Telecommunicator Course curriculum used today at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. Mrs. McCuin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development from the University of Arkansas and holds her designation as a Registered Public Safety Leader through APCO International.
Dianne Smith
Administrative Assistant
Dianne Smith is an Administrative Assistant at the Northwest Campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Tiffany Robbins
Administrative Assistant
Tiffany Robbins is an Administrative Assistant at the Northwest Campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy.
