Jonesboro, Arkansas – The Jonesboro Finance and Administration Council Committee has taken a major step toward improving emergency response services by approving a $5 million contract to construct a new 911 and Real Time Crime Center. The committee filed a resolution to enter into a contract with Bailey Contractors, Inc., the company selected to build the state-of-the-art facility. The resolution will now move forward to the City Council for final approval.
The new emergency response center is designed to enhance public safety infrastructure and streamline communications for first responders across the city. According to the contract, construction and site development will cost $5 million, with funding provided through capital improvement revenue bonds. The facility is expected to cover approximately 8,500 square feet and feature a single-story poured-in-place concrete structure with metal stud walls, often described as a “hardened shell” to ensure durability and safety.
Advanced technology will be a cornerstone of the new center. Officials say the facility will include high-tech audio and video systems for seamless communications and radio use, as well as a large IT space to support critical operations. The technology upgrades are expected to improve coordination among emergency responders and enhance the city’s ability to respond to incidents quickly and effectively.
“The design will be finalized this winter, and construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026,” said city officials, highlighting the city’s timeline for bringing the project to completion. Once built, the center is expected to serve as the hub for Jonesboro’s emergency services and provide a modern space equipped to meet the growing demands of public safety.
The decision to build the new center at 400 Washington Avenue was made in October by the Public Safety Center Task Force after evaluating multiple potential locations. The chosen site was selected for its accessibility and suitability for housing a facility of this scale. City leaders believe the location will provide an ideal base for emergency response operations and allow for future growth if needed.
Committee members emphasized that the new center represents a long-term investment in public safety. By combining robust construction with cutting-edge communications technology, the facility will strengthen the city’s capacity to respond to emergencies while also creating a safer environment for residents and first responders alike.
“This project will provide Jonesboro with a modern, reliable, and secure emergency response hub that meets both current and future needs,” city officials said. “We are committed to ensuring that our first responders have the resources and infrastructure required to protect our community effectively.”
As the project moves through the final approval process and into construction next year, city leaders and residents alike are looking forward to the benefits the new 911 and Real Time Crime Center will bring. The investment marks a significant milestone in Jonesboro’s ongoing efforts to modernize public safety facilities and enhance emergency preparedness throughout the city.
