Expansion of body-worn camera program

BJA FY22 BWCPIP-LEA

Jonesboro Police Department

City of Jonesboro, Arkansas

The City of Jonesboro (AR) on behalf of Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) applies for funding to expand its Body-Worn Camera Program by purchasing 20 additional BWCs. The Jonesboro PD implemented it’s BWC program in 2018 and was award 200 cameras but has over 200 personnel that come into contact with the public; thus creating a gap. With this grant, the City of Jonesboro seeks to close this gap and fully equip all our full time, part time, and ancillary force with BWC. The existing program includes a developed policy, training, and evaluation plan that was submitted with our original application. Jonesboro desires to be a model community helping law enforcement peers successfully utilize this technology to improve safety and enhance procedural justice.

Located in the Upper Arkansas Delta, just 70 miles from Memphis, TN, the City of Jonesboro encompasses the majority of the population of Craighead County. Jonesboro serves as the Northeast Arkansas regional hub for manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, retail, and service sectors. Approximately, 78,576 people live in communities ranging from single-family homes to dense mixed-use environments. Jonesboro population is 67.3% non-Hispanic white, 20.9% African American, 11.9% other races or mixed race. Jonesboro residents have a median income of $47,062, and a poverty rate of 20.2%.

The JPD BWC program expansion will strategically target current and critical crime challenges including the increase in Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Motor Vehicle Theft, Arson, Drug/Narcotics Violations and DUIs. Due to many of the crimes committed in Jonesboro involving actors who frequently commit crimes in nearby cities within our judicial district, JPD coordinates with the prosecutor’s office, multiple county juvenile officers, administrators, and sworn officers from neighboring agencies on several occasions. The evidence collected from BWC content has exonerated, built community-police trust, maintained racial equity, brought crime awareness and faster processing of cases. The Jonesboro PD force is larger and more than likely will continue to grow as the population increases indicating a rise in crime. It is standard protocol to collect and review on a quarterly basis to identify notable events, trends and ensure BWC compliance. JPD will collaborate with TTA on any BWC developments and needed reviews. Protecting the community in the most ethical, efficient and effective way is essential to the City of Jonesboro and Jonesboro Police Department.