Cpl. Solis focused on ‘safe and vibrant’ downtown Fort Smith

Cpl. Julio Solis with the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) is making his presence known in downtown Fort Smith, and his focus is to help downtown visitors and merchants stay safe.

Solis, a 10-year veteran of the FSPD, began his role as the downtown business liaison officer May 26. Prior to that, his career had encompassed various roles within the department, including patrolman, background investigator, police recruiter and field training officer.

“I will be committed to fostering positive relationships with downtown businesses and visitors through public education, community policing initiatives, pro-active patrols and outreach initiatives,” Solis said of his new position.

His goal is to work to engage citizens and merchants while promoting a collaborative environment to enhance public safety and improve the overall quality of life for businesses and residents.

The Central Business Improvement District (CBID), a semi-autonomous governing body, agreed to levy a supplemental annual assessment of up to 10 mils on real property within CBID boundaries – primarily in downtown Fort Smith more than three years ago. The Fort Smith Board of Directors in 2022 approved an assessment on properties in the CBID.

Assessment funds totaled around $220,000 in October 2023 and about the same in October 2024. They were earmarked to support an ambassador program with Fort Smith police officers as part of a downtown Safety and Security program, and a Green and Clean project.

The CBID board originally budgeted for personnel expenses related to two ambassador positions. A third ambassador, who was actually the first one put in the position, is funded through the FSPD through the regular general fund, said Jeff Dingman, acting city administrator.

Jon Raspberry, the original ambassador, continues in his role as ambassador, as does Allyson Wilson, who was one of two part-time ambassadors hired to fill the positions funded by the CBID. The other ambassador position became vacant in 2024 and was difficult to fill, Dingman said.

“The CBID adjusted its direction for 2025, and at their November 2024 meeting agreed to continue funding for one ambassador position from its special assessment fund revenue, but change the other position it funded from an ambassador to a regular police officer,” Dingman said.

And with that the downtown business liaison officer position was created.

The change came with increased cost, as the salary and expectations for a certified officer are a higher cost than an ambassador position, Dingman said. The overall annual personnel cost for an ambassador is in the $53,000 range, and for an officer that increases to $78,000 to $93,000 depending on the seniority of the officer, he said.

After the first of the year, FSPD recruited internally to find the right officer for the assignment. Solis, then serving as a field training officer, was appointed to the duty in May.

His duty schedule and work assignment is determined by FSPD Chief Danny Baker and will evolve as he gets acclimated to the assignment, Dingman said.

“I am excited for this new opportunity to be able to assist the department in building a safe and vibrant downtown community,” Solis said.

His typical hours will be Monday through Friday during the day. Those hours will allow him to be readily available to businesses, with a flexible schedule to accommodate downtown events as needed, Solis said.

“The two ambassadors and the assigned officer combine efforts with the community relations unit and bicycle patrol unit to provide an effective and relatable downtown presence. This effort is important to the downtown property and business owners as they work to maximize the benefit of their property and minimize damage from vandals, graffiti interests and trespassers on private property,” Dingman said.