Residents of Southwest Little Rock have recently voiced concerns regarding delayed police response times in their neighborhoods. Members of the Arkansas Community Organizations (ACO) gathered outside the Little Rock Police Department headquarters to deliver a letter advocating for the reinstatement of community policing strategies.
Community members shared personal experiences highlighting prolonged waits for emergency services, particularly in underserved areas such as Southwest and Central Little Rock, as well as the John Barrow corridor. Some residents reported instances where calls to 911 went unanswered, leading to frustration and a sense of neglect.
ACO members emphasized that a neighborhood-based policing model, previously implemented, had been effective in building trust and reducing crime rates. They are urging the department to reconsider and reinstate such approaches to enhance public safety and community relations.
The Little Rock Police Department has acknowledged these concerns and is reportedly reviewing its current policing strategies to address the issues raised by the community.