Guest Profile

Sheriff Eric S. Higgins

Sheriff Eric S. Higgins is a licensed minister, a devoted husband of 33 years, and a proud father of two daughters. He has devoted over 37 years to law enforcement. He began his distinguished career with the Little Rock Police Department in 1984, rising through the ranks to become Assistant Chief of Police. In 2019, he made history as the first African American Sheriff of Pulaski County in 200 years, bringing visionary leadership and a commitment to public safety and reform.

 

A graduate of Liberty University with a Bachelor's in Government and Business and a Master's in Executive Leadership and Counseling, Sheriff Higgins has also completed executive training programs with the Center for American and International Law and the Senior Management Institute for Police. His innovative approaches to law enforcement and rehabilitation have drawn national recognition, including being the vision behind Netflix's Unlocked: A Jail Experiment series.

 

Sheriff Higgins has led transformative initiatives, including the CSI Re-entry Program, the Junior Deputy Mentoring Program, and community-centered projects like "Supper with the Sheriffs Office" to foster trust and dialogue. His leadership has set a precedent in Arkansas with policies like Body-Worn Cameras in detention facilities and the implementation of the Duty to Intervene and No Choke Hold policies.

 

In 2024, he was honored with an Honorary Doctorate from Arkansas Baptist College and was honored by Mosaic Templars Cultural Center as one of the Trailblazer 15 and by Dream.Org at the #WeTheDream Inaugural Gala. Sheriff Higgins has been celebrated for his commitment to criminal justice reform and community engagement.

 

Sheriff Eric S. Higgins's dedication to advancing public safety, reforming our criminal justice system, and fostering strong community relationships have set a lasting legacy of positive change and impactful leadership.