LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas State Crime Lab (ASCL) Director Kermit Channell announced on Monday his retirement effective Aug. 31. J.R. Howard, a former director of the ASCL, will serve as acting director, according to Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar.
Howard, an experienced law enforcement official, previously headed the ASCL from April 2004 to May 2007 before he was inducted as U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Arkansas, a press release said Monday. Howard’s extensive career includes more than 34 years with the Arkansas State Police, a tenure that included a 16-month stint as director beginning in 2011.
Channell’s career with the ASCL began in 1987 in the Medical Examiner’s Office. A decade later, he played a significant role in the establishment of the DNA database program in Arkansas and helped advance legislation pertaining to convicted offenders. He ascended through the ranks and was appointed as director in 2007.
In his statement, Colonel Hagar lauded Channell for his years of dedicated service. “The State of Arkansas is indebted to Kermit for his many years of service and for shepherding the crime lab through an important time,” Hagar said. “We appreciate that J.R. has again agreed to take a break from his retirement to lead the ASCL until a new director is selected.”