Farmington Arkansas Police Department

05/18/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Seat Belts Saves Lives
Buckle Up May 18 – May 31, and Every Day

[Farmington, Arkansas] — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging drivers to buckle up ahead of the Click It or Ticket seat belt safety campaign. The national high-visibility seat belt enforcement effort, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs May 18-31, 2026.
During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out to drivers and passengers. Not buckling up could mean a ticket, or worse, risking a life.
In 2024, there were 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%, which is good — but it can be better. The other 8.8% still need to be reminded that seat belts save lives. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations day and night.
One of the focuses of the Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign is nighttime enforcement. NHTSA data shows a higher number of unrestrained occupant fatalities happen at night (56% between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m.). Of the males killed in crashes in 2023, more than half (53%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 41% were not buckled up.

04/29/2026

Washington County has switched to the ReGroup mass notification system, replacing CodeRed. This new tool is available to anyone in the county — regardless of whether they live in the unincorporated or incorporated areas!

Subscribers will be able to receive warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods and winter storms. Also, it can pass along critical information to subscribers by their physical location for events, etc.

Sign up here:

https://embeds.regroupcloud.com/orgs/washingtoncountyar/channels/resident-sign-up/signup_embed

04/17/2026

Plan for a Safe and Sober Ride on 420 — and Everyday

[Farmington, Arkansas] — Ahead of April 20, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding drivers that it’s illegal in every state and territory to drive under the influence of drugs. On “420” — a number associated with ma*****na — some might observe a day of increased ma*****na use. But, no matter the day, the message is the same: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
Driving high has serious and deadly consequences. A NHTSA study, from 2019-2021, showed that 26% of drivers seriously injured or killed in crashes tested positive for ma*****na.
If someone sees a friend who is about to drive high, they should take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. And, if anyone spots an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
Drugs, including ma*****na, affect driving abilities, which puts everyone on the road at risk. It has been proven that ma*****na can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. These are all unsafe driving behavior that can cause serious injuries or death in a crash.
A key to preventing impaired driving is to plan ahead. Designating a sober driver — that’s someone who won’t be drinking or using drugs — is one option. Other options include booking a rideshare or using a taxi.
Join NHTSA in sharing the lifesaving message, If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. For more information on drug-impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.

04/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [04/06/2026]
NHTSA and Law Enforcement Remind Drivers to
Drive Phone-free
[Farmington, Arkansas] — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign is reminding drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences — including fines — of texting and other forms of messaging behind the wheel. From April 6-13, 2026, law enforcement nationwide will work together to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Cell phone use, texting and other activities that don’t contribute to safe driving are all forms of distracted driving. In 49 states, including Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal. According to NHTSA, in 2024 there were 3,208 people killed and an estimated additional 315,167 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, data collection limitations show that these figures are likely lower than the real figures.
“Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes,” “It is dangerous, it is illegal, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences.
Safe driving can be adopted by these phone-free driving habits:
• Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
• Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive.
• Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
• Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.
For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/Distracted.

03/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [03/09/2026]

Make a Plan for a Sober Ride Before St. Patrick’s Day
Festivities Begin

St. Patrick’s Day 2026 celebrations will take place across the country on and around Friday, March 17th. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges drivers to remember that drinking and driving is deadly and never an option. Join NHTSA and the Farmington Police Department in sharing this message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Every year, dozens of people are killed when they choose to drive drunk during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. According to NHTSA, 38% (284) of the traffic fatalities that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day holidays between 2019-2023 involved drunk drivers. In 2023 alone, there were 63 fatalities in drunk-driving crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, of which 44 involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher.
Embracing St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions is one thing; engaging in the deadly behavior that is drinking and driving is another. Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk. Our community has seen firsthand the devastation and loss caused by alcohol-impaired driving, along with the lasting pain it inflicts on families, friends, and entire communities. We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the reminder that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Drinking and driving is not an option, but making sure someone sober will be behind the wheel is.
Local authorities are urging everyone to celebrate the holiday safely by making a plan before the festivities begin. The most important step is arranging for a sober ride in advance — whether that means designating a sober driver, using a taxi service, or booking a rideshare. Because alcohol clouds a person’s judgement, designated drivers should be prepared to help others who failed to plan ahead find a safe and sober way home. Community members are also encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

03/02/2026

12/15/2025

We had the best start to our morning at City Hall! 🎄

The first graders from Pop Williams Elementary stopped by to sing Christmas carols for the City of Farmington staff, and they brought so much holiday cheer. ❤️

Thank you for brightening our day!

12/09/2025

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over:
Deterring Drunk Driving
This Winter Holiday Season

Farmington, Arkansas — From December 12, 2025, through January 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and local law enforcement will step up efforts to stop impaired driving and protect road users’ safety in alignment with the winter holiday high-visibility enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Like other festive seasons, the winter holidays are a time of year when many alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities occur. In the combined Decembers of 2019-2023, 4,931 road users were killed in traffic crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. In December 2023 alone, there were 1,038 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, 697 of which involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 g/dL or higher — nearly twice the legal limit in almost every state.
“Not only is driving impaired illegal, it is dangerous and never acceptable,” Farmington Police Department. “Our law enforcement officers will be out in full force to pull over impaired drivers and remove them from the roads to ensure our community stays safe. We ask everyone to follow the law and do their part to keep themselves and other road users safe throughout the winter holiday season. Drunk driving fatalities can be prevented when everyone keeps road safety in mind as they prepare for holiday celebrations.”
Drivers should be safe during this winter holiday season by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

11/24/2025

Our community’s kids need us now more than ever. 🧥💙

The Farmington Police Department is hosting a Coat Drive benefiting the Children's Safety Center of Washington County, running November 24 – December 14 at Farmington City Hall.

The Children’s Safety Center plays a critical role in protecting and supporting children who have experienced abuse. They provide forensic interviews, medical exams, crisis intervention, expert testimony, and ongoing support for families—all essential services that directly assist law enforcement and the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office.

Recently, the CSC has faced significant funding cuts, even while seeing a 15% increase in children served this year. These shortages directly impact the staff who respond to children in crisis. Thanks to support from Washington County leaders, some of this gap has been addressed—but there is still much work to do.

That’s why community support matters.

By donating a new or gently used coat, you’re helping ensure that children facing incredibly difficult circumstances can stay warm this winter. It’s a simple way to show them they are seen, valued, and supported.

📅 November 24 – December 14
📍 Drop-off Location: Farmington City Hall
📞 Questions? Contact 479-267-3411

Thank you for helping us stand behind the Children’s Safety Center and the kids they serve. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. 💙❄️

11/24/2025

There’s a “fine” line between a great Thanksgiving and a costly one. 💰 Buckle up — or pay the price. Click It or Ticket.

The Farmington Police Department will be participating in the State Seat Belt Mobilization from Monday, November 24th through Sunday, November 30th.

As families travel for Thanksgiving gatherings, we want to remind everyone that seat belts save lives. Whether you’re driving across town or across the state, taking a moment to buckle up is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Officers will be increasing patrols and enforcement efforts throughout the week to help keep our community safe. Please make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained every trip, every time.

Stay safe, enjoy the holiday, and remember: Click It or Ticket.