Resident Upset With Bonanza Police Department

BONANZA, Ark . -- John Orick recently put up a sign outside his business that reads, "John Mitchell Go Back To Poteau." Mitchell is a Bonanza police officer who Orick said was recently hired by the police department.

[Roger]

Small towns such as Bonanza, Central City, Hartford, Hackett, Midland, and so on should just contract with the local sheriff's office. That's the way its done in other states.

[concerned citizen]

Has anyone else had to hire an attorney due to the behavior of this John Mitchell cop in Bonanza? or has anyone had an experience with him when he worked for Poteaqu P.D.?

[hackett citizen]

This area is becoming a police state, has anyone noticed? I too have had a bad experience with Officer John Mitchell in BONANZA. Has anyone looked into the excessive tickets? Doesn't he have to answer to anyone, internal affairs? I am not a kid, am a grandmother in my 60's.

[Thomas]

I live close to Bonanza and am thankful for their presence on Highway 45. The speed limit should be 45 from the interstate all the way to Hackett. People get right up on your bumper and pass in curves where it is dangerous. Some people at least will slow down in Bonanza because they know the police may be out. Every town has a right to local law enforcement. The sheriff's office is busy enough as it is, they don't need the extra burden of patrolling towns capable of providing their own police. If you don't want to be pulled over, don't speed and make sure your car is up to standards. Getting rid of annual inspections was one of the worst things Arkansas ever did.