Gov. Hutchinson names Benton Police Chief Kirk Lane as new drug czar

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has tapped Benton Chief of Police Kirk Lane as the state’s new drug czar. In an announcement release Wednesday morning (July 12), Hutchinson named Lane as the Arkansas Drug Director, replacing Denny Altes, who resigned in May.

Lane has been active in several initiatives including a hugely popular drug take-back program that allows citizens to safely dispose of leftover prescription drugs.

“Chief Lane’s extensive experience in law enforcement and his background with the FBI has well-equipped him to serve as the new Arkansas Drug Director. Chief Lane is a dedicated leader who has been a valuable asset to several Arkansas drug and alcohol boards and programs. I am confident that he will continue to do an outstanding job working to further alcohol- and drug-abuse prevention and treatment initiatives of our state,” Hutchinson said in a news release.

Chief Lane has served as chief of police for the Benton Police Department since 2009. Prior to serving in that role, Chief Lane spent more than 20 years with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and served as captain of its Criminal Investigations Division for nearly a decade. He is a graduate of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy and the FBI National Academy.

He has also served as a member of the Arkansas Drug and Alcohol Coordinating Council, the Arkansas Gulf Coast HITDA State Board, the Terrorism Task Force, the Arkansas Prescription Drug Advisory Board and the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

“This is a great opportunity to lead people in the same direction to prevent drug abuse and improve the quality of life for all Arkansas. My job is to encourage people to work together to resolve these issues, and I look forward to being a part of the Governor’s team in this effort,” Lane said.