BLYTHEVILLE- Blytheville Chief of Police Ross Thompson was put on administrative leave on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and then was returned to full duty Friday, Dec.15 at 3:30 p.m..
After returning to duty, Thompson informed Blytheville Mayor Melissa Logan of his intentions to retire on Feb. 24, 2024.
Logan released a statement Monday stating, “In response to strong public attention concerning recent personnel matters, the city of Blytheville would like that Chief Ross Thompson, Blytheville Chief of Police, was not suspended. Chief Thompson was placed on administrative leave Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 pending the outcome of an internal investigation concerning an allegation of inapt behavior. After formal review of allegations and supporting documents, Chief Thompson was brought back to full duty Dec. 15, 2023. Upon reinstatement, Chief Ross Thompson submitted an official letter of retirement effective Feb. 29, 2024.”
Thompson has been in law enforcement for 32 years. He was named interim-chief of the Blytheville Police Department in 2006, and gained the full title in 2007.
“It’s been an honor to be part of such a great team,” Thompson told the NEA Town Courier Monday afternoon.
Logan added, “With over 32 years of service, Chief Ross Thompson has served this city well. He has given staunch and commended time to our city. I am excited for Chief Thompson and his family on their next chapter.”
Thompson stated the reason for this announcement is partly due to the recent “misrepresentation of facts”.
Before he was placed on administrative leave, the city council has gone into executive sessions two times, in July and September, for personnel matters concerning Thompson’s job performance.
“As far as the admin leave yes but no. A false allegation was made against me which I have been exonerated of,” explained Thompson. “I decided I could no longer subject myself to such malicious misrepresentation of facts and decided to retire. I notified Mayor Logan as soon as my decision was made.”
Thompson stated he and the mayor have discussed “working together to move the department forward”.
On July 3, the Blytheville Police Department’s Facebook page announced that Captain of Criminal Investigation Division John Frazier was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police.