Little Rock, Arkansas – City leaders of Little Rock gathered at an Agenda Setting Board Meeting on Monday to address important safety-related issues affecting the community. The discussion centered around innovative technology for the police department and new housing initiatives to assist the homeless population. This meeting served as a preliminary session, with votes taken to approve key agenda items for the upcoming board meeting on April 1.
One of the major topics discussed was the Little Rock Police Department’s proposal to acquire six new drones, an initiative aimed at enhancing public safety. The drones would be used to assist police patrol units in their duties, helping officers report data to the Real Time Crime Center in an efficient manner. A representative from the Little Rock Police Department explained, “We were granted a public safety grant to create this pilot program, the SOAR program.” The drones would serve as a valuable tool for the police, offering aerial perspectives that could assist in crime prevention and investigations.
The meeting also touched on a housing proposal aimed at tackling homelessness in the city. City leaders discussed the potential purchase of the Florence Crittendon Home, a property located at 3600 W. 11th Street. The property would be purchased using funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and transformed into a safe haven for unsheltered individuals. This move is part of an ongoing effort to provide better housing options and support for those facing homelessness in Little Rock.
In addition to the drone program and housing initiative, the board revisited the controversial renewal of the SoundThinking, Inc. (formerly ShotSpotter, Inc.) program. This technology, which provides gunshot detection services and additional software for police officers, has been under scrutiny in recent months. It was initially introduced in 2018, funded by federal dollars, but the renewal of the program now faces challenges due to the need for taxpayer funding.
“It’s coming back before the city board because Director Hines expunged the vote, and so nothing has changed from that ordinance,” Mayor Frank Scott Jr. explained. The SoundThinking program, which includes gunshot detection capabilities, has been viewed by some as a useful tool in identifying areas where gun violence occurs. However, there are concerns over its effectiveness and utility in preventing crimes before they happen.
Ward 6 director Andrea Lewis voiced her reservations about the program, stating, “I am still not sold because it is not a crime prevention tool.” This sentiment was echoed by other board members who questioned whether the technology truly contributed to reducing crime or whether it merely offered after-the-fact reports. Ward 9 director Antwan Phillips also weighed in on the issue, acknowledging the sensitivity of the matter. “It resonates strongly with constituents on both sides,” he noted, indicating the polarized nature of the discussion.
At the close of the meeting, the board approved the agenda for the upcoming April 1 gathering. During this session, further discussions and potential votes on these issues will take place. City leaders are encouraging residents to attend the meeting and voice their opinions on the future direction of Little Rock’s safety measures.
As the city continues to explore new ways to enhance public safety, the outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the community’s approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and social services. The April 1 meeting promises to provide more clarity on these initiatives, and board members are eager to hear from the public to ensure that safety measures align with the needs and concerns of Little Rock residents.
