In this episode of LRPD Sworn Identity, the team discusses technology in policing.

Technology is increasingly vital to modern policing, fundamentally transforming how law enforcement agencies operate and interact with the communities they serve. It improves policing in several ways:

• Enhancing Crime Prevention and Detection
• Improving Officer Safety and Situational Awareness
• Strengthening Evidence Collection and Accountability
• Facilitating Real-Time Communication and Collaboration

Despite its advantages, critics have concerns like cybersecurity; however, technology is indispensable in modern policing, driving efficiency, safety, accountability, and community engagement, while also presenting new challenges that must be carefully managed to ensure ethical and effective law enforcement. 

This month, the sworn identity podcast focused on officers discussing their real-life interactions-both those experienced on the job and those observed or analyzed on social media platforms. These episodes provide listeners with insights into the daily realities of policing, the challenges of public interactions, and the influence of social media on law enforcement narratives. The is for a better understanding and dialogue between law enforcement and the broader community. 

Listen, learn, and enjoy the Little Rock Police Department's Sworn Identity podcast.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) will be observed from April 13 - 19, 2025. This annual recognition honors the dedication of public safety telecommunicators-like 911 operators-who are the vital link between emergency callers and lifesaving response. 

We recently sat down with Director Juana Green and a staff member to discuss some of their challenges and the wins that keep them going. 

Judges seal cases for several reasons, particularly in sensitive matters like homicides and shootings, such as protecting ongoing investigations, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring a fair trial. In this episode of sworn identity, find out some of the qualifications needed for a judge to seal a case. 

Ever thought of a career in law enforcement? On this episode of the Sworn Identity Podcast, the group talks of recruiting and becoming a police officer.

The Little Rock Police Department offers an attractive package of benefits for those interested in a law enforcement career. Those benefits include financial and Insurance benefits such as tuition reimbursement and a competitive salary with a sign-on bonus and shift differential pay. Professional development opportunities like working with S.W.A.T., K-9 Unit, as well as Community and School Resource Officer positions are available too. The Little Rock Police Department emphasizes a progressive work environment that offers purpose-driven career opportunities with multiple paths for professional growth.

The Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) has indeed implemented a program involving social workers and Community Resource Officers (CRT) to improve responses to calls involving mental illness. This initiative represents a significant shift in the department's approach to such situations. 

The program also reflects a growing trend in law enforcement to adopt more holistic, community-oriented approaches to policing, especially when dealing with mental health crises. By combining the expertise of law enforcement officers with that of mental health professionals, the LRPD aims to provide more effective and compassionate responses to these challenging situations. 

Listen and enjoy as we discuss the newest addition to the department and hear from the supervisor and social worker as they discuss why this program has seen early successes. 

The Little Rock Police Department's Saving Our Sons (S.O.S.) and Girls Empowered by Mentoring Sisterhood (G.E.M.S) Programs are gaining momentum and community support. These initiatives emphasize the crucial role of community engagement in creating safe environments for young men and women. In this episode of SWORN Identity, officers with both programs talk passionately about the current and future expectations of the programs.

By continuing to promote and expand the S.O.S. and G.E.M.S. Program, the Little Rock Police Department is demonstrating its commitment to proactive, community-centered approaches to public safety and youth development.

Victim services are crucial for the safety, stability, and healing of crime victims. These services help reduce future victimization by empowering victims and ensuring they are informed about their rights and the resources available to them. By integrating victim services into law enforcement, agencies like the LRPD can foster trust and confidence within the community, improving overall quality of life and community relations

Focusing on rehabilitation for juvenile offenders: Prosecutors are working to rehabilitate young offenders rather than simply punish them. In juvenile cases, there is an emphasis on intervening in cycles of abuse and helping troubled youth get back on track, rather than just sending them to jail. Casey Beard, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney: Juvenile Division joins the podcast to talk about second chances.

Will Jones, the Prosecuting Attorney for the 6th Judicial District, has had a busy first year in office. He took over from Larry Jegley, who retired after over 30 years in the role. Jones has been working to address the backlog of cases caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the high number of homicides in the area.

To address these challenges, Jones has emphasized the importance of working closely with law enforcement agencies, particularly the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD). Both Jones and LRPD Police Chief Heath Helton have held their respective positions for one year, and they have been collaborating to change the trajectory of crime in the area. Jones believes that by strengthening the partnership between his office and the LRPD, they can more effectively investigate and prosecute homicide cases, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for Little Rock residents.