Mayor names Officer Kondarius Sanders as police chief; mayor and retiring chief express support

The mayor announced Tuesday that Officer Kondarius Sanders will serve as the new chief of the Helena-West Helena Police Department and that a recently retired chief will be available as a senior advisor. The mayor and the retiring chief both spoke in support of Sanders’ appointment, noting his military experience and local ties.

The nut graf: Sanders — a Central High School graduate with service in the Arkansas National Guard and several years in local law enforcement — said he plans a transition period in which he will engage officers, council members and community leaders to set priorities and implement 21st-century policing practices.

Retired Chief T. Wells (named in meeting remarks) described Sanders as “intelligent,” “professional” and able to build his own team; the retired chief said he’d be available by phone if Sanders needs advice. Sanders told the council he was “grateful and humbled” and cited his military leadership experience and an information-technology background as assets he intends to bring to the department.

Council members asked questions about Sanders’ background and any relationship to the mayor; Sanders said he has no familial relation to the mayor and outlined that he holds the rank of sergeant in the Arkansas National Guard. The mayor urged council and community support during the transition.

What’s next: Sanders said he will meet with officers, council members and neighboring law enforcement partners as part of a transition and to develop priorities; no formal ordinance or recorded roll-call appointment was entered on the council minutes during the remarks portion of the meeting.