Pine Bluff Police Chief Denise Richardson has been fired by Mayor Vivian Flowers, according to several sources, including a City Council member.
In a three-paragraph letter dated Monday from Flowers to Richardson, the mayor thanks Richardson for her employment with the city and then says she is “being terminated, effective immediately.”
The letter, obtained by The Commercial from a source with knowledge of the matter, says the decision was made “without cause” and is not a reflection of Richardson’s job performance but “rather my decision to go in a different direction with the Pine Bluff Police Department.”
Richardson was named police chief by then-Mayor Shirley Washington on July 20, 2022. She has more than 30 years of experience, having served in every departmental division during her law enforcement career with the PBPD. She became the first woman in the departmenrt’s history to begin her career as a recruit and internally ascend to the rank of chief of police.
Several City Council members said Monday afternoon they learned of the termination, not through official channels but from concerned citizens, causing one to complain about the mayor’s move.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Council Member Lanette Frazier released a statement emphasizing the importance of transparency in city leadership, expressing frustration that council members are learning about significant departmental changes from the public rather than the mayor’s office.
“It is a sad day when the City Council learns about potential departmental changes from concerned citizens rather than directly from the mayor’s office,” Frazier stated. “I just heard from another council member that it is true that police chief Denise Richardson was fired and that concerned me because the mayor hasn’t been transparent from day one.”
Frazier also noted her concern about the lack of inclusion in decision-making, contrasting it with the previous administration’s practices. “Mayor Flowers ran on a ticket of transparency but she is not including council members. I don’t know anything until it’s done.”
Flowers took over as mayor on Jan. 1.
Council Member Bruce Lockett was unaware of the termination but said such a move would be at the discretion of the mayor.
The firing comes after Richardson was praised for obtaining state accreditation and improving the police department.
“I don’t understand. Since she has been in office she has got a state accreditation. She has uplifted the department and made it better,” said Frazier, referring to Richardson. “[Assistant Police Chief Kelven] Hadley stood up and gave accolades to the chief and then we get this.”
During a public safety town hall meeting held earlier this month, attended by Richardson and numerous police officers, Hadley expressed concerns about negative portrayals of the city and the police department on the radio, urging attendees to “promote Pine Bluff” and highlight the positive aspects of the community.
“It’s sad when you have to hear small business owners and other officials go on the radio and you demote the city of Pine Bluff and you attack the Pine Bluff Police Department because of something that you were not satisfied with,” he said. “There are a lot of things that we do well.”
Hadley pointed out achievements, such as the city not having a juvenile homicide in over 400 days and a reduction in homicides from the previous year. Additionally, it was mentioned that the Police Department is about to be accredited, a first in its history.
“We’re not looking for change. All we’re asking for is for the community to be patient with us and allow us to do our job and we will continue providing the best possible service for the city,” Hadley said to applause.
Efforts to contact Flowers were unsuccessful.