In a pivotal meeting on September 9, 2025, the City of Conway's Civil Service Commission delved into the aftermath of a recent mass shooting, scrutinizing the actions of local law enforcement during the critical hours leading up to the tragedy. The review board, which included key figures such as Assistant Chief Mike Welsh and Major James Presley, aimed to assess whether officers acted appropriately in their response to a large gathering that preceded the incident.

The discussion revealed that while officers were present and engaged with the crowd, there were concerns about their approach. One member of the board noted that although officers conducted walk-throughs and interacted with attendees, the overall response was not ideal. "We had parties like this all the time and shut them down with far less officers," he stated, emphasizing a need for a more proactive presence in the crowd rather than merely observing from a distance.

The board acknowledged that no policy violations occurred, but there was a consensus that officers, particularly those new to the force, could benefit from additional training in crowd management and de-escalation techniques. Officer Pugh, who had only been on the street for a few months, was specifically mentioned as someone who showed signs of stress during the incident, highlighting the challenges faced by younger officers in high-pressure situations.

As the commission continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the police response, the discussions from this meeting underscore the importance of ongoing training and support for law enforcement personnel, particularly in the wake of traumatic events. The findings will likely influence future strategies for managing large gatherings and ensuring public safety in Conway.