The Hot Springs Police Department continues to investigate the tragic death of 18-month-old Thomas Naramore of Hot Springs. Its personnel are completing necessary interviews of witnesses, reviewing documents, police dash-camera audio and video, and performing a variety of other investigative functions. Despite questions and criticism by members of the press, bloggers and the general public, the police department intends at this time to continue withholding investigative material such as 911 tapes, reports and related documents that are considered crucial to this investigation. The decision to withhold information and to postpone any possible arrest in this matter is made at the specific direction of Mr. Scott Ellington, the special prosecutor recently assigned the case. Due to circumstances beyond the control of members of the HSPD, investigators will not have a chance to meet face-to-face with Mr. Ellington until early next week.
It is the mission of the Hot Springs Police Department, guided by its core values, that its members treat all people with respect, dignity, fairness, and compassion regardless of race, color, gender, religious preference, political affiliation or status within the community. Further, its mission is to vigorously investigate all reported crimes and requests for police assistance, and to search for the truth with the ultimate goal of determining the facts, regardless of who might be a suspect in a given case. This incident, albeit unusual and involving a high-profile member of the community, does not alter the HSPD’s core values or its commitment to this community and to the law enforcement profession. It is being examined according to investigative protocol. All members of the Hot Springs Police Department remain committed to the promise of ethical behavior, integrity, professionalism and the unbiased treatment of those with whom they come in contact. The HSPD is anxious to see this case reach its investigative conclusion, whereupon it will turn all evidence and information over to the office of the special prosecutor for his ruling and any subsequent action.