Jonesboro, Arkansas – The City of Jonesboro will soon see a major boost in public safety resources as federal funding of $3.5 million has been approved for its Real Time Crime Center, city officials announced Wednesday. The allocation is intended to expand the city’s capabilities in monitoring, analyzing, and responding to criminal activity in real time, enhancing safety for residents across Northeast Arkansas.
Senator John Boozman, who authored the provision in 2024, played a key role in securing the funds, which were authorized last week by President Donald Trump as part of a broader congressional appropriations package. The funding builds on a previous $500,000 federal grant the city received in 2024 to improve public safety technology.
“I am thankful for the persistent work of Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, and Congressman Rick Crawford. Successfully navigating specific appropriations from concept to presidential authorization takes commitment and dedication,” said Mayor Harold Copenhaver. “They understand how important this project is to the safety of Northeast Arkansas.”
The Real Time Crime Center is expected to serve as a hub for police operations, equipping law enforcement officers with advanced tools to quickly access information and coordinate responses to incidents across the city. Officials say the technology will allow for faster analysis of crime patterns, improved emergency dispatch, and more effective collaboration between law enforcement and other public safety agencies.
“Providing new technology and equipment for law enforcement to receive timely information while protecting the community will help combat crime and enhance the quality of life,” Boozman said. “I am proud to champion our men and women in uniform—and the personnel that support them—by securing this funding that strengthens public safety in Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.”
Construction on the new 8,500-square-foot facility, located on the 400 block of West Washington, is expected to begin this spring. The building will house state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, data analysis tools, and communication systems designed to support both day-to-day policing and emergency response efforts. City officials say the center will be staffed with a team trained to interpret real-time data, allowing officers on the ground to respond more effectively and efficiently.
Local leaders and law enforcement officials hope the Real Time Crime Center will not only improve response times but also foster a stronger sense of community safety. By centralizing resources and providing officers with immediate access to critical information, the city aims to reduce crime and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
As the project moves forward, officials are planning public briefings to keep residents informed about the center’s capabilities and the benefits it will bring to Jonesboro. The new funding is viewed as a critical step in modernizing public safety operations and preparing the city to address both current and future challenges in law enforcement.
