Sherriff Cook to run for fifth term

Mississippi County Sheriff Dale Cook announced Monday that he will seek re-election for his fifth term. Cook, first elected in 2010, said he wants to continue working on the goals he has set forth - concentrating on illegal drugs and thefts.

“Illegal drug and theft arrests remain my top priorities,” Cook said.

Cook also said that during his tenure, there have been numerous improvements made to the department’s equipment and training.

“We continue to add new equipment for our patrol and detention officers’ safety, as our budget allows. I have also encouraged my deputies to continue working on their civilian and law enforcement education. We are sending CID officers to advanced investigative courses through the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This additional education that our officers receive will directly and positively affect the work they do for the citizens of Mississippi County.”

He also points to strides made toward improving efficiency.

“Due to recent retirements, we have new young jail administrative staff who are diligently working with the office staff and with the prosecutors and judges to improve the efficiency of getting the detainees to court or on video court,” Cook said.

Cook also points to successful collaboration with schools in the county, “The Sheriff’s Department has worked with the South Mississippi County School District to provide the school with a school resource officer to make it safer for students and faculty. Thus far it has been very successful and we continue to work with the South Mississippi County Schools to keep this program in place.”

Cook encourages anyone facing an issue or anything that concerns them to call him at the office at 658-2510, 762-2243 or the Sheriff’s Tip Line at 658-7024. He pledges that the issue will be addressed immediately and will be handled in a timely and professional manner.

“We have an excellent staff and a group of leaders that I can delegate authority to. The success of our department is a direct result of hard work, diligence and dedication by the staff at the Sheriff’s Department. We will continue to protect and serve the citizens of Mississippi County by providing a higher level of dedication, diligence and professionalism. The citizens of Mississippi County deserve nothing less. I have an open door policy at the Sheriff’s Department and we welcome your input as citizens of Mississippi County. It has been a distinct honor and a humbling experience serving as your sheriff. May God continue to bless Mississippi County.”

Cook and his wife Melissa have three children and one grandchild.