Bentonville names new police chief

The city of Bentonville has a new police chief.

Mayor Stephanie Orman announced Friday (Oct. 1) that Captain Ray Shastid has been promoted to chief, effective immediately. Shastid leads the Bentonville Police Department’s operations division and has been on the force since 2003.

“Chief Shastid has demonstrated a career of integrity and exemplary service and we are fortunate to have someone with his level of expertise lead the Bentonville Police Department,” Orman said in a statement.

Shastid replaces Jon Simpson, who retired Sept. 30 after 27 years with the department.

In the past 18 years, Shastid has served as a SWAT Team Commander, K9 handler, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a Platoon Sergeant from 2003 – 2018. Shastid was a police officer for the Rogers Police Department from 2000 – 2003.

According to a city news release, a five-member selection committee chose Shastid from more than 30 applicants.