Ozark Police Department names new chief

Photo provided by Ozark Police Department

Justin Arnold

The Ozark Police Department promoted a 14-year employee to its top post.

Justin Arnold is the new chief of police, according to a news release. He succeeds Tim Clothier, who exited the Ozark position in May — after taking it on in September 2015 — and now is chief of police in O’Fallon. Clothier was a member of Springfield Business Journal’s 2018 class of Men of the Year.

“After completing a thorough evaluation of candidates, I am confident in my recommendation to promote Cpt. Justin Arnold to the position of chief of police for the city of Ozark,” City Administrator Steve Childers said in the release. “His clear understanding of the mechanics of police management and community engagement, coupled with his proven leadership, will be invaluable assets for our city for years to come.”

Eighteen applicants applied for the job, said city Public Information Officer Samantha Payne, noting Arnold’s salary is $80,000.

Arnold has served as interim police chief since May, following his promotion to deputy chief in 2016. He started at the Ozark Police Department as a patrol officer in 2005.

As police chief, Arnold is tasked with leading the community’s policing efforts, growing public safety outreach programs and advising others on the city’s management teams, according to the release.

“We are committed to providing professional police services and building partnerships throughout our community,” he said in the release. “The Ozark Police Department has an exciting future and I am ecstatic to be selected as chief of police."