Sworn Identity: An informative discussion of law enforcement.

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.

Real-time information tracking and processing is now a reality, shaping the future of policing in the 21st century. For the Little Rock Police Department, technology is seamlessly integrated into our real-time crime center. This central hub enables us to deploy drones at major events and utilize a network of cameras to enhance efforts in recovering stolen vehicles, finding missing persons, and combating violent crime. 

The law enforcement industry is growing and so are the salaries and benefits. The Little Rock Police Department is actively recruiting but do you have what it takes to join our team.  For more information, simply go to belrpd.org. 

If you've ever wondered what to do if you're stopped by the police, here's your answer. Officers with the Little Rock Police Department go in-depth detailing the do's and don'ts of an actual traffic stop. You'll hear from a patrol officer and supervisors' point of view and find out what goes into issuing a citation or even just a warning. Get ready to be informed on this episode of the Sworn Identity podcast.

LRPD Asst. Chief Andre Dyer joins the Sworn Identity podcast to discuss all things patrol, his expectations for the field services division, and how the life of a patrol officer has changed over the years.  Don't miss this episode.