The question below posed to Sebastian County & Fort Smith law enforcement is self-explanatory.

This same inquiry went to Sheriff Hollenbeck, Judge Hudson, & Police Chief Clark: (There was no response from Chief Clark)

Judge David Hudson
Fort Smith, AR

Judge Hudson,
September 5, 2017

In lieu of what has happened recently in Charlottesville, VA & Durham, NC, but not limited to, and considering the police in each instance stood down while violence occurred, if one of these events was staged in your jurisdiction what would be your reaction?

I would appreciate a specific response.

Thanking you in advance,

Joe McCutchen
Fort Smith
joeusa@cox.net

Response from Sherriff Hollenbeck & another question (unanswered)

Sheriff Hollenbeck,
As the Chief law enforcement officer for Sebastian County and your authority supersedes that of the FS Chief of Police and the Federal Government, I would be pleased to know who or what government agency issued the surveillance order for “that weekend only”.
Thanking you in advance,
Joe McCutchen

From: WHollenbeck@co.sebastian.ar.us [mailto:WHollenbeck@co.sebastian.ar.us]
Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2017 11:45 AM
To: Barb and Joe M
Subject: Re: question please
It is my understanding that the monument in question does not belong to the county but to a private historical group. Following of the unrest in Charlottesville we assigned deputies to protect it 24/7 the entire weekend. This assignment was based on what happened in Charlottesville, VA & Durham, NC, and intelligence information we received from another agency. It was specific for that weekend only.

As to what we would do that is also dependant upon the intelligence we receive before hand. I will tell you this we will protect it to the best of our ability just as any other threat we would receive regarding vandalism of personal property. Our department would coordinate with other agencies to keep the peace and to prevent any crime or vandalism. We would request assistance from the Arkansas State Police and the FSPD if the situation required.

As with any issue it is my hope that cool heads would prevail and respect given to both sides of this issue. We will respect the right to lawfully assemble and protest. Destruction of any private property would result in arrest and prosecution.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bill Hollenbeck
Sheriff
Sebastian County
479-783-1051

Response from Judge Hudson:
Judge Hudson,

Thank you for terse response.

Joe McCutchen

—–Original Message—–
From: dhudson@co.sebastian.ar.us [mailto:dhudson@co.sebastian.ar.us]
Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2017 4:32 PM
To: Barb and Joe M
Cc: WHollenbeck@co.sebastian.ar.us; DShue@co.sebastian.ar.us
Subject: Re: Question please

Mr. McCutchen

I understand you have posed this question to several local officials. As
you have been advised by Sheriff Hollenbeck we have coordinated closely with our Sheriff, Police Department and Prosecuting Attorney concerning
this matter. We will continue to collaborate in this fashion.

David Hudson
Sebastian County Judge
35 South 6th, Room 106
Fort Smith, AR 72901
479/783-6139