The recent release of a comprehensive 113-page report by Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers highlights critical recommendations for enhancing public safety in the city. The report, stemming from the Mayor’s Transition Advisory Board, outlines several key strategies after analyzing practices from various city police departments.
One of the top recommendations is to prioritize the recruitment, retention, and adequate staffing of the Police Department, particularly focusing on the Patrol and Investigative Divisions. The recommendation suggests shifting from 10-hour to 12-hour shifts without rotating days off to improve officer safety and coverage. This change is expected to enhance patrol strength and reduce response times, all without requiring additional budgetary resources.
Another significant recommendation is to improve recruitment and retention by introducing a structured longevity pay system. This initiative aims to incentivize officers to remain with the Pine Bluff Police Department by offering incremental salary increases based on years of service, thus addressing the high turnover rate and fostering a more experienced police force.
To address the current shortage of institutional knowledge, the report suggests recruiting veteran officers and offering them a signing bonus. This strategy not only aims to fill the gap in personnel but also to utilize the expertise of seasoned officers to mentor less experienced ones, thereby enhancing the overall competence of the department.
Aligning current police practices with city ordinances is another focus area. The report highlights discrepancies between existing policies and recently passed ordinances regarding the use of take-home vehicles by officers. Ensuring compliance with these ordinances is expected to save taxpayer dollars and improve accountability.
The report also emphasizes the need for an anti-blight strategy to tackle high crime rates, suggesting a collaborative approach involving aggressive code enforcement and community partnerships to transform neglected areas.
Another critical recommendation is to establish a comprehensive data management system for the police department. The current lack of reliable data hampers effective governance and public safety. Adopting a modern records management system will support evidence-based policing and public accountability.
The report further recommends rebalancing the ratio of supervisory personnel to patrol officers to improve operational efficiency. It suggests a moratorium on promotions until patrol staffing reaches adequate levels, ensuring a more effective supervisory structure.
Additionally, the report calls for a long-term strategy to ensure consistent jail access for Pine Bluff detainees, addressing issues arising from a lack of stable jail agreements with Jefferson County. Developing a city-operated detention facility is proposed as a solution to this ongoing problem.
To tackle internal issues of favoritism and low morale, the report recommends implementing transparent and merit-based personnel practices. This involves reinstating the Civil Service Commission to oversee promotions and conducting performance reviews of leadership.
Rebuilding trust in the police department through community engagement is also a priority. The report underscores the importance of community policing programs and the need to restore these initiatives as recruitment improves.
Finally, the report outlines potential challenges, such as staffing shortages, budget constraints, and entrenched organizational culture, which could hinder reform efforts. It calls for strong leadership, clear communication, and strategic resource allocation to overcome these barriers.
Overall, the report provides a detailed roadmap for addressing the numerous public safety challenges facing Pine Bluff, emphasizing the need for immediate and decisive action to enhance officer safety, improve community relations, and restore trust in the police department.
CLICK HERE to view the mandate.
