LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today that she will appoint Jeff Long to serve as the Director of the Arkansas Crime Information Center.
“Today, I am proud to be appointing Jeff Long to serve as the Director of the Arkansas Crime Information Center,” Sanders said. “His impressive, extensive public service career with 36 years in the military and 31 years in law enforcement will be a tremendous asset in working with our top-notch team at the Department of Public Safety to keep our state safe and secure with reliable, up-to-date crime data.”
“I am humbled by the Governor’s confidence in me to lead the Arkansas Crime Information Center,” Long said. “I have dedicated my career to protecting Arkansans and Americans from harm, fully equipping me to serve the people of Arkansas in this capacity and support law enforcement agencies with timely, accurate information. Both Governor Sanders’ and Colonel Mike Hagar’s strong, tough on crime leadership is exactly what our state needs to reduce violent crime, and I look forward to working together as we empower all Arkansans with a safer, stronger state.”
Jeff Long Bio:
Jeff Long began his public service by joining the Arkansas National Guard in 1982 while still a junior in high school. He later transferred to the Army Reserves, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major. During his service, he served in various leadership roles. He was a Platoon Sergeant for a HAZ MAT response and served on the Quick Reactionary Force Team in Bagdad, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After deployment, he served as Regional Area Manager for the 4th Battalion of the 95th Division instructor group. His mission assignment was teaching Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) advanced and senior leadership courses at U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Sergeant Major Long retired from the Army Reserves in 2019 after 36 years of service.
Director Long started his law enforcement career in 1992 with the Russellville Police Department. While there, he served as a training instructor, field training officer, and a member of the SWAT team.
Director Long joined the ranks of the Arkansas State Police in 1997 with his first assignment in Highway Patrol, Troop A. He later became a member of the Honor Guard and transferred to the Executive Protection Division. While he was with the Executive Protection Division he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and served as Assistant Detail Commander.
Director Long’s public service career includes 36 years in the military and 31 years in law enforcement. He is a graduate of the U.S Army Sergeants Majors Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas, and the University of Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute, School of Law Enforcement and Supervision.
Director Long is a member of Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Russellville. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 33 years. The couple have beautiful twin daughters.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee met jointly with the Senate Children and Youth Committee this week to hear from groups actively working to combat human trafficking.
The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) testified that there were 13 arrests for human trafficking charges in Arkansas in 2021.
In 2022, there have been 4 arrests.
Since the year 2000, there have been 14 convictions for individuals facing human trafficking-related charges in Arkansas.
Representatives for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also testified in the committee.
In 2021, the organization received more than 17,000 reports of possible child sex trafficking. The organization estimates that 1 in 6 of the children reported missing to NCMEC who had run away were likely victims of child sex trafficking.
Boys made up 6% of the child sex trafficking cases reported to NCMEC.
The committee also heard from organizations helping survivors recover from abuse.
Members will review the information presented to determine if there is a need to strengthen existing laws.
In the 2021 Regular Session, we passed a number of acts addressing human trafficking in Arkansas.
Act 798 provides heightened conditions for release on bail for persons accused of human trafficking and human trafficking-related offenses.
Act 1106 establishes an affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking accused of certain offenses.
Act 1098 creates the offenses of grooming a minor for future sex trafficking and traveling for the purpose of an unlawful sex act with a minor.
Child sex trafficking victims often are unable to self-identify as victims or disclose their abuse because of fear, shame, or loyalty to their abuser(s). It is not a child’s responsibility to ask for help. It is up to the professionals and trusted adults in these children’s lives to recognize the signs associated with child sex trafficking, so they can intervene and help them get the support they deserve.
You can report suspected child sex trafficking or make a tip at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) CyberTipline.org
Jay Winters ‘A Man of Great Integrity, Character,’ Governor Hutchinson Says of Former Sheriff, ACIC Director
LITTLE ROCK – Jay Winters, a former director of the Arkansas Crime Information Center who died Tuesday, June 1, was one of only three agency directors that Governor Asa Hutchinson asked to stay on for his administration.
Mr. Winters, whose 19 years as sheriff of Pope County was the longest term in county history, stepped down as director of the ACIC in October 2017. When Mr. Winters resigned for health reasons, Governor Hutchinson praised him for his integrity and character.
“I want to thank Jay – a man of great integrity and character – for the incredible work he has done at ACIC through the years,” Governor Hutchinson said. “After I was elected governor in 2014, Jay was one of three agency directors that I asked to stay on. His continued stellar service confirms he was the right person for the job, and his service to our state will be missed.”
Governor Hutchinson reiterated his admiration for Mr. Winters upon learning of his death.
“Jay Winters served his community and state with dedication and professionalism,” Governor Hutchinson said. “I was privileged to have Jay serve in my administration as director of the Arkansas Crime Information Center. I knew Jay as a law enforcement professional and also as a man who loved his family and community. He will be greatly missed.”