Little Rock, Arkansas – Little Rock saw a notable drop in crime this summer, a testament to Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.’s strategic approach to public safety and the continued efforts of city agencies and community partners. Recent statistics indicate that overall crime in the city has fallen 22 percent compared to the past five years, while violent crime has dropped 15 percent over the same period. Year-to-year figures are also encouraging, with total crime down 18 percent and violent crime decreasing 8 percent.
The improved numbers follow a summer marked by Mayor Scott’s “back to the basics” approach, which emphasized prevention, community engagement, and targeted law enforcement. Programs focused on children and youth, community-oriented policing, and strategic patrols in high-crime areas were central to the initiative. The results, city officials say, are evidence that a coordinated, data-driven strategy can produce meaningful and lasting change.
“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. I’m proud of the Little Rock Police Department for its dedication to our community, and to every person who works every day to eliminate crime and reverse the unwarranted perception of crime in our City.”
Technology and data have played a key role in the city’s crime reduction efforts. The Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) utilizes tools such as the Real Time Crime Center and Eyes on The Rock to monitor activity, analyze patterns, and deploy officers where they are most needed. These systems allow the department to respond more quickly to incidents and take proactive steps to prevent crime before it occurs.
In addition to law enforcement, city departments have coordinated a range of programs designed to support youth engagement and community development. Over the summer, the Parks Department hosted activities for more than 5,000 children, including youth camps, swimming lessons, and recreational programs aimed at keeping young people active and engaged in positive ways.
The Department of Community Programs also played a significant role, logging over 47,000 direct hours of engagement with residents and coordinating internships for more than 250 young people at nearly 100 worksites across Little Rock. These initiatives not only keep youth involved in constructive activities but also help them gain valuable work experience and life skills.
Mayor Scott emphasized that these programs are not simply about keeping children busy but are part of a broader, holistic strategy to create safer neighborhoods and stronger communities. “In 2025, as we have strengthened our focus on the basics, we are building safer neighborhoods across Little Rock,” he said. “Numbers don’t lie, and these positive statistics reflect the hard work we have done to make Little Rock better and stronger. We have more work to do, and we will keep building off this momentum and progress.”
The summer strategy also integrated community-oriented policing principles, encouraging officers to establish closer relationships with the neighborhoods they serve. Regular engagement, positive interactions, and trust-building measures have helped foster cooperation between residents and law enforcement, which officials say is crucial to sustaining crime reductions over time.
City officials note that the summer results are part of a broader, multiyear trend in Little Rock, reflecting years of planning, investment, and data-informed decision-making. The combination of targeted patrols, technology-driven responses, and proactive youth and community programs has allowed the city to reduce crime while also addressing the perception of public safety.
Looking ahead, Mayor Scott said the city will continue to refine and expand these programs, focusing on maintaining the gains achieved this summer and extending them into the future. The success of this strategy demonstrates that when law enforcement, city agencies, and residents work together, neighborhoods become safer, opportunities increase, and the community as a whole thrives.
As Little Rock continues to build on these positive outcomes, the city serves as an example of how comprehensive, data-driven strategies paired with community engagement can create real change. With crime declining and more programs available for youth and residents, Little Rock is charting a path toward a safer, stronger, and more connected city.
