Section 12-8-202 - Qualifications of members(a)(1)(A) All applicants for positions as police officers of the Department of Arkansas State Police shall be citizens of the United States.(B) However, the applicants must become citizens of the State of Arkansas in order to commence employment.(2) Any applicant shall be employed strictly upon an efficiency basis irrespective of race, gender, religion, or political affiliation.(b) No person shall be eligible for a position as a commissioned member of the department who: (1) Has been convicted of a felony in any state or federal court;(2) Is prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a weapon; or(3) Is known to be a person of immoral character.(c) Police officers of the department shall not be appointed as patronage or political favor.Acts 1945, No. 231, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 42-406; Acts 1997, No. 380, § 1; 2001, No. 1697, § 10.