The annual Arkansas State Police (ASP) Awards Ceremony was held Tuesday in Benton to honor ASP employees for their actions during 2025. One member of Troop I in Harrison, Britt Clements, who was a corporal at the time but has since been promoted to the rank of sergeant, received an official commendation for dedication and initiative investigating a potentially dangerous situation involving a 14-year-old girl in Baxter County last April.
According to a narrative written by his sergeant Jackie Stinnett to nominate Clements for an award, he says the driver had fled the scene. Pursuing the investigation beyond the standard crash protocol, Clements learned the car had been taken without permission by a 17-year-old male.
A short time later, the 17-year-old turned himself in at the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office and Clements interviewed the teen, uncovering the fact he had taken the vehicle to assist a 14-year-old female, who was on juvenile probation and fleeing to Colorado. The girl was upset because her legal guardian had recently passed away.
Recognizing the serious implications, Clements contacted the girl’s probation officer to turn the case over to them as protocol dictated. But Clements continued to assist Juvenile Services in an effort to locate the girl.
That evening, while he was at home and off-duty, Clements received a call from a friend of the girl who gave him a phone number where the 14-year-old could be reached. The girl was en route to Colorado to meet with an adult male. Clements relayed the information to her probation officer. After the girl refused to talk to him, Clements personally reached out to the girl.
Stinnett says during the conversation, Clements spoke with care and urgency, explaining the seriousness of the situation and expressed concern for her wellbeing. He says Clements’ sincere effort resonated with the girl because she agreed to return and meet with juvenile services the next day.
The girl did return and met with her probation officer and a resolution was reached regarding her guardian.
Sergeant Stinnett wrapped up his nomination letter by saying “Clements’ persistence, empathy, and refusal to treat this as just another case played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and return of a vulnerable juvenile. He went far beyond his assigned duties, extending his involvement well past his shift, taking initiative to make crucial calls, and personally engaging with the youth involved. His actions exemplify the highest standards of public service and reflect a deep commitment to protecting those most in need.”
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