Brian A. Johnson is a Senior CLEST Agent at the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
As the Compliance Manager for the Standards office, Brian 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.
Brian.A.Johnson@dps.arkansas.gov
Kaleisha Wise is a Senior CLEST Agent at the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
Kaleisha is responsible for auditing law enforcement agencies for compliance with CLEST rules, approving basic training courses and in-service training courses for law enforcement agencies, certifying Professional, General and Specialized Instructors and Field Training Officers, and assisting law enforcement agencies, personnel, and the general public with questions concerning CLEST rules. She teaches a course on minimum standard requirements and conducts instructor training at the request of training academies and law enforcement agencies. Kaleisha is a former Criminal Investigator for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office where she was employed for seven years. Kaleisha has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, a Master of Science in Public Safety with specialization in Criminal Justice from Capella University, and a Master of Public Administration from Capella University.
Kaleisha.Wise@dps.arkansas.gov
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.
Barbara.Varnell@dps.arkansas.gov – Phone: (501) 682-3683
Taylor Pearson, 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 diligently responding to Freedom of Information requests, reviewing requests for Law Enforcement Officer decertification, conducting Law Enforcement Officer decertification hearings before the Division, 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.
Taylor.Pearson@dps.arkansas.gov
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.
Kreasha.Williams@dps.arkansas.gov
Annette Cagle is an Administrative Specialist for the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
She started working for CLEST in 1989. Annette is one of three administrative specialists who works to meet the needs of law enforcement officers and agencies in Arkansas. She is primarily responsible for sending certificates and clearing rosters for the ALETA basic academy.
Annette.Cagle@dps.arkansas.gov
Rhonda Price is an Administrative Specialist for the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
She started working for CLEST in 2003. Rhonda is one of three administrative specialists who works to meet the needs of law enforcement officers and agencies in Arkansas. She is primarily responsible for entering training submitted by law enforcement agencies.
Rhonda.Price@dps.arkansas.gov