LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture today announced that Allen Bryant, the former Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Little Rock Field Office, has been named the Department’s Law Enforcement Chief, effective July 13. Bryant brings more than 34 years of federal law enforcement leadership and investigative experience to the position.
“Agriculture is national security, and protecting Arkansas’ largest industry requires strong partnerships and experienced leadership,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Allen Bryant has spent more than three decades leading complex criminal investigations, building partnerships with law enforcement agencies at every level, and protecting our nation’s security. His experience will strengthen our efforts to protect Arkansas agriculture and the people who depend on it.”
As Chief of Law Enforcement, Bryant will oversee the Department’s statewide law enforcement operations, leading investigations involving wildland arson, timber theft, livestock theft, agricultural and forestry equipment theft and vandalism, foreign ownership investigations, and other crimes affecting Arkansas agriculture and natural resources.
“I am honored to join the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and continue serving the people of Arkansas,” said Bryant. “I look forward to working alongside the Department’s outstanding law enforcement officers and our federal, state, and local partners to protect Arkansas agriculture, safeguard our natural resources, and support the Department’s important mission.”
Bryant retired from the United States Secret Service after more than 34 years of service. During his career, he served as Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division in Washington, DC and Resident Agent in Charge of the Jackson Resident Office in Mississippi. He directed complex criminal investigations, led cybersecurity and financial crimes initiatives, and coordinated protective operations for four presidents. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a certified law enforcement instructor and firefighter instructor.
Bryant’s appointment reflects the Department’s continued commitment to strengthening its law enforcement capabilities, enhancing investigative operations, and expanding partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to better protect Arkansas agriculture and natural resources. In 2025, the Department’s law enforcement officers closed 223 cases, recovering more than $3.6 million in restitution for Arkansas landowners.
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Media Contact: Ayden Duncan, (501) 813-6012
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