The city of Ozark has a new chief of police.

Justin Arnold will be replacing Chief Tim Clothier who left his position in May.

Chief Arnold will responsible for continuing the community’s high level of policing services, growing successful public safety outreach program and providing an important perspective on the City‘s management team.

(Information and photo provided by the city of Ozark)

When notified of the appointment, Chief Arnold stated, “I am truly blessed to be entrusted with leading the men and
women of the Ozark Police Department. The Ozark Police Department has established itself as an area leader in
community oriented policing and problem solving and is dedicated to providing public safety to the citizens of Ozark. We
are committed to providing professional police services and building partnerships throughout our community. The Ozark
Police Department has an exciting future and I am ecstatic to be selected as Chief of Police.”

In regards to the appointment of Chief Arnold, City Administrator Steve Childers states, “After completing a thorough
evaluation of candidates, I am confident in my recommendation to promote Captain Justin Arnold to the position of
Chief of Police for the City of Ozark. 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.”

Justin Arnold has been serving the City of Ozark for over 14 years in various law enforcement positions. He began his
work with Ozark in 2005 as Patrol Officer then in March of 2007 promoted to Narcotics Investigator and Sergeant while
assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Task Force Officer. In October of 2015 he transferred to the
Patrol Division as a Patrol Sergeant and was then promoted to Lieutenant of the Support Services Division in March
2016. In November 2016, he became Deputy Chief, and then Interim Chief of Police in May 2019.

Arnold earned his bachelor’s degree from Drury University in August of 2009, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He went
on to receive his Master of Sociology/Criminal Justice from Lincoln University in December 2018. Arnold has a passion
for community policing, transparency in law enforcement, and the development of law enforcement leaders though
community engagement and interaction.

His hobbies include spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and coaching his children in sports. Arnold says one of his
greatest accomplishment is his family, who all enjoy being active, working on their family farm, traveling and exploring
new places.

Please help us congratulate Chief Arnold and his valiant efforts in making Ozark better and safer every day. We will
announce the date and time of the promotion ceremony at a later date.