Fort Smith, Pine Bluff police organizations receive checks

Jan. 9, 2024 (Little Rock) – Auditor of State Dennis Milligan, whose office administers the state’s unclaimed property program, the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt, sent more than $5,500 to Arkansas police organizations recently in recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day today.

“As we approached Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I asked my team to look for police departments in the state that have unclaimed property,” Milligan said. “As we did, I noticed that the Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police Lodge had $4,308.54 and the Pine Bluff Police Department had $1,392.44 owed to them from my office’s unclaimed property program. My office notified both organizations of their unclaimed funds and worked with them to return this money back to them.”

Unclaimed property can be any number of financial items, such as insurance premium overpayments, unreimbursed utility deposits, uncashed checks, contents of safe deposit boxes, etc. Anyone could have unclaimed property, including individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations or heirs of a deceased family member.

When owners abandon an account – through a move or a death, for instance – and the holder of the property cannot locate the owner, the money or properties are submitted to the Auditor of State’s office. The Auditor’s office is required to return unclaimed property back to citizens.

“As a former reserve deputy sheriff, I have a special place in my heart for men and women who serve our communities in law enforcement, and being able to notify various police departments around the state that they’re owed money is not only my duty as Auditor, but highly important to me on a personal level as well,” Milligan said. “These people keep our communities safe and I’m proud to support them.”

Since Milligan took office in January 2023, more than $30 million has been returned to citizens and businesses through the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt.

To see if you or your organization has unclaimed property in Arkansas, visit https://claimitar.com/.

Auditor of State Dennis Milligan presents Pine Bluff Police Chief Denise Richardson a check today in recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

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Dennis Milligan was elected Auditor of State in 2023. The Auditor’s office is responsible for ensuring payroll for more than 700 state government elected officials, Supreme Court justices, prosecuting attorneys and deputy prosecutors. The office also administers the state’s Unclaimed Property Program, The Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt. Learn more at https://auditor.ar.gov/.