Officer Powell joined the Harrison Police Department last year after retiring from the State Police in June 2023 after 34 years. She is the SRO for Harrison Kindergarten and has an extensive background working with children.
Her career with the police began in Russellville in 1986. She worked in narcotics, patrol, and criminal investigation for four years. She was hired by the State Police in 1990 and worked the Highway for two years. She then transferred to Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Investigations for approximately 15 years. She later transferred to Criminal Investigations for the rest of her time with the State Police.
Powell said, “During my time in CID, I was promoted to Lieutenant and was the Company Commander for Company E, which is headquartered here in Harrison and covers 14 counties in Northern Arkansas. Accepting that promotion is what brought me to the Harrison area.”
“It’s hard to name just one thing I love about working in Kindergarten. But I love watching the kids learn to read and how much they learn in Kindergarten. I also love their hugs and excitement when we just hang out,” she said.
Working with Kindergarten kids didn’t concern her at all because of all the years she has spent working with children.
Powell has advice for parents. “Parents need to be very involved in their child’s education. And most importantly, teach them to behave and have respect for their teacher and other adults.”
Officer Powel loves traveling, playing tennis, and pickleball. Some might be surprised to learn that she’s also been in bands and singing groups and loves to play the drums as often as possible. But her favorite off-duty activity is spending time with friends, family, and especially her two granddaughters.
Director of Early Childhood for Harrison Kindergarten and Harrison Preschool Jeff Winkle said, “Officer Kim Powell has been a great addition to the kindergarten building, helping us feel more safe and secure. The students love seeing her when she greets them in the mornings and throughout the day. She came in and quickly became part of the kindergarten family.”
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
