Little Rock, Arkansas – Mayor Frank Scott Jr. is drawing attention to a significant decline in crime across Little Rock, attributing the drop to a strategic, multifaceted approach implemented over recent years. According to the mayor, overall crime in the city has decreased 22 percent over the past five years, while violent crime has fallen 15 percent in the same period. Year-to-year statistics are equally encouraging, showing an 18 percent reduction in overall crime and an 8 percent decline in violent offenses.
Scott credits these results to a summertime strategy that emphasized a “back-to-basics” approach. The initiative focused on positive prevention programs for children and youth, community-oriented policing, and targeted patrols in areas with higher crime rates. The city’s holistic strategy seeks not only to prevent crime but also to strengthen connections between residents and law enforcement.
“Public safety is our highest priority,” Mayor Scott said. “Our obligation to keep our residents and visitors safe is embedded in everything we do, and this comprehensive approach to crime reduction has led to real results for our City.”
Central to the city’s efforts are programs designed to engage young residents. Over the summer, more than 5,000 children and youth participated in Parks Department offerings, including Youth Summer Camps and swimming lessons. At the same time, the Department of Community Programs recorded more than 47,000 direct hours of engagement with local residents, while supporting and funding over 250 interns across nearly 100 Little Rock worksites. These programs aim to provide meaningful activities and mentorship opportunities for youth, keeping them engaged in positive community spaces and reducing exposure to potential criminal activity.
In addition to these community-driven programs, technological tools have played a key role in crime prevention. The city’s Real Time Crime Center allows law enforcement to monitor incidents as they unfold, while the Eyes on the Rock program integrates household security cameras into a police-accessible network. This combination of technology and proactive policing enables officers to respond more efficiently and strategically to potential threats.
Scott praised the Little Rock Police Department for their dedication and effectiveness. “Our obligation to keep our residents and visitors safe is embedded in everything we do,” he said, highlighting the department’s role in implementing these programs and maintaining vigilance across the city.
The mayor also acknowledged the broader community’s efforts. “I thank every person working to prevent crime and reverse the unwarranted perception of crime in our city,” he added. Scott emphasized that crime reduction is a collective effort, requiring collaboration between law enforcement, city departments, and residents themselves.
City officials say the summer strategy is part of a long-term commitment to making Little Rock safer and stronger. By blending youth engagement, community programs, technology, and targeted policing, the city aims to create neighborhoods where residents can feel secure, children have safe spaces to learn and play, and local businesses can thrive.
As Little Rock continues to build on this momentum, the combination of proactive prevention and strategic law enforcement serves as a model for other communities seeking measurable improvements in public safety.
