The Arkansas State Police is a state police division of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety and they consider and tout themselves the "premier" law enforcement agency in the State of Arkansas, although they do not outrank the sheriff within the sheriff's respective county.

The Arkansas State Police serves as an assisting agency to local law enforcement agencies within the State of Arkansas and has statewide authority to conduct law enforcement activities, criminal investigations, and crimes against children investigations.

Upon the creation of the Arkansas State Police in 1935, the agency consisted of approximately thirteen Rangers who were charged with enforcing liquor laws and traffic laws.

From its creation in 1935, the Arkansas State Police has been an assisting agency to local law enforcement agencies.

The commission is responsible for the overall control of the Arkansas State Police.