The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said it will set up a portable command post in the Tucker community for a trail riding event Saturday in England despite saying a bike riding group did not properly notify authorities of the gathering.
The Jefferson and Lonoke counties’ sheriff’s offices, along with the England Police Department, said they were made aware of a public gathering in both counties that “has raised concerns for public safety and order.”
According to a news release issued by the JCSO, Cashout Nick and the Natural State Ryders were promoting a trail riding event to take place at 13804 N. Highway 15 in England with gates opening at noon. The advertisement, authorities say, stated “Police and security will be strictly enforced.”
Law enforcement did not indicate why the gathering would raise concerns. A message seeking comment was left on the Natural State Ryders’ Facebook Messenger.
“Through mutual multi-agency collaboration and the sharing of information, it was determined that the sponsors for this event failed to properly coordinate with members of law enforcement within the neighboring jurisdictions prior to advertising the event and coordination as of the date of this release as yet to be established,” according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“While we recognize the right of individuals to gather peacefully, recent information regarding this event has raised concerns regarding public safety, security, and order,” the release states. “Cashout Nick and the Natural State Ryders have promoted this event, which is expected to attract over 2,800 attendees.
“However, it has come to our attention that the event organizers failed to properly coordinate with law enforcement agencies prior to advertising this event. Furthermore, we have serious reservations about the proposed security personnel, as they are individuals associated with the trail ride organizations who do not possess the authority to enforce criminal statutes or maintain peace during the event.”
In light of the concerns, according to the release, law enforcement will take the following measures:
“Due to the area of the event being in the most northern rural area of Jefferson County, and a response time for any call to service being multiple minutes, the JCSO portable command post and communications center will be in the Tucker, AR area where our Special Response Team will be on stand-by. This team will only be used in the event of an emergency where crowd control or dispersal is warranted, or any activity which creates a threat to people’s safety. In addition, JCSO deputies will be patrolling Highway 15 North in the area of the event to ensure the flow of traffic is not interfered with as well as being in the area should calls for service be made. The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, England Police Department, and Arkansas State Police will be operating in the area as well with additional assets to include JCSO’s aviation asset ‘Air 1’ will also be deployed to provide a bird’s eye view and serve as the eye in the sky. While it is the hope of all agencies involved that this event is peaceful and without incident, we stand ready to respond to any and all contingencies that may arise.
“JCSO, Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, England Police Department, (and) Arkansas State Police are united in our commitment to ensuring that the event proceeds with due regard for public safety, law, and order. The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority. While we hope that this event will be peaceful and free from incident, we are fully prepared to respond to any and all contingencies that may arise, ensuring that law and order are maintained throughout the event.”
Authorities have asked participants to respect the laws of the counties and the safety of all individuals present, adding enforcement of state laws, county ordinances and municipal code will be strictly enforced. Law enforcement indicated it will supervise against stopping, standing or parking on the highway.