LITTLE ROCK – With homicides down 34 percent over the past five years and violent crime 6 percent lower over the same period, Little Rock officials today encouraged residents and businesses to take part in the comprehensive strategy to make Little Rock an even safer city.

Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., and Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton presented the updated statistics at a City Hall news conference. Little Rock's 31 homicides so far this year are 28 percent lower than at this point a year ago and 34 percent lower than the five-year average. When compared to last year, violent crime is down 4 percent and overall crime (both violent and non-violent offenses) is also down 4 percent.

"Without a doubt, our comprehensive and holistic crime reduction strategy has led to safer, stronger neighborhoods over the past few years," Mayor Scott said. "We must continue this momentum as we reduce crime and change the perception about crime in our community."

Community involvement is an essential part of the collaborative effort toward further crime reductions, Chief Helton said. He urged residents and businesses to sign up for the Eyes On The Rock program and to participate in upcoming public meetings that begin Thursday.

Eyes On The Rock is an initiative of the LRPD's Real-Time Crime Center where residents and businesses can support law enforcement in crime prevention and investigations. About 4,000 cameras have already been integrated or registered. (Footage from residential security cameras can only be accessed with a resident's explicit permission when police seek assistance with active investigations. Law enforcement never has direct access to residential cameras.)

LRPD's quarterly meetings are an opportunity for residents to interact directly with police command staff at the department's three substations. Community members will hear about statistics, trends and crime-prevention. They can ask questions and provide feedback. All meetings are open to the public and start at 6 p.m. Meeting dates and locations are:

• Thursday, Oct. 10: 12th Street Station, 3917 W. 12th St.
• Thursday, Oct. 17: Northwest Station, 10001 Kanis Road
• Thursday, Oct. 24: Southwest Station, 6401 Baseline Road

 
Also today, Mayor Scott discussed the City's planned additional investment in public safety with the Results For The Rock penny investment plan, which will be considered by voters in the Nov. 5 general election. If approved, an additional $30 million would be allocated for technology upgrades and expansion of LRPD's Real-Time Crime Center, $15 million would support community-oriented policing and crisis response teams, and $50 million would pay for vehicles and equipment needed to support public safety operations.

View the complete news conference here