Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy Expands with New Facility

The $8.47 million project funded by the American Rescue Plan Act increases training capacity and modernizes instructional spaces.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:30pm

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The Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (ADLEST) has celebrated the grand opening of a new 21,000-square-foot training facility at the Northwest campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) in Springdale. The expansion includes a 10,625-square-foot multipurpose live-fire range and was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Why it matters

The new facility represents Arkansas's commitment to providing elite law enforcement training and enhancing public safety statewide. It will allow ALETA to better serve local, county, and state law enforcement agencies across Northwest Arkansas as demand for high-quality training continues to rise.

The details

The new building increases training capacity, modernizes instructional spaces, and provides officers with realistic, scenario-based learning environments designed to meet critical training needs. In addition to the main training facility, construction included a new 10,625-square-foot multipurpose live-fire range to enhance firearms training capacity, safety, and flexibility for both basic and advanced instruction.

  • The project was completed in March 2026.
  • Construction began in January 2025.

The players

Chris Chapmond

ADLEST Director

Col. Mike Hagar

Director of the Arkansas State Police

Clint Scrivner

Training Supervisor for NW ALETA

Cromwell Architects Engineers

Designed the project and served as the general contractor

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What they’re saying

“The opportunity to expand our Northwest Arkansas training campus is more than a construction milestone – it is a commitment to the future of law enforcement in our state. This facility represents our dedication to preparing officers, not only for today's challenges, but to anticipate tomorrow's. We are building an environment that promotes excellence, professionalism, and public trust.”

— Chris Chapmond, ADLEST Director

“This new facility strengthens Arkansas's commitment to elite law enforcement training and public safety statewide. Investments like this equip our officers with the tools and environments they need to serve with distinction and protect our communities effectively.”

— Col. Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police

“Having a dedicated live-fire range alongside the new facility ensures officers train in realistic environments while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

— Clint Scrivner, Training Supervisor for NW ALETA

What’s next

The new facility will begin hosting training courses for law enforcement officers across Arkansas in the coming months.

The takeaway

This expansion of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy's Northwest campus demonstrates the state's ongoing commitment to providing world-class training and resources for its law enforcement community, ensuring officers are equipped to meet the evolving challenges of public safety.