The city’s neighborhood watch meetings will resume in June, giving residents the chance to communicate with the Pine Bluff Police Department (PBPD) about issues in their neighborhoods.
The meetings had been postponed for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to restart the neighborhood watch meetings,” said PBPD Police Chief Lloyd Franklin, Sr. “This program keeps the residents involved in their communities while also bridging the gap between residents and law enforcement.”
Franklin says the meetings are important for the police officers because it lets them know what issues need to be addressed in certain neighborhoods. “Having observant residents also provides a second set of eyes and ears for the officers,” he noted. “Without knowing their concerns it’s hard to address the issues.”
In addition to listening to residents’ concerns or tips during the meetings, statistics related to crime throughout the neighborhoods are shared and members are encouraged to get to know each other and others in their area. Sometimes the meetings also include news about the city from elected officials and other community leaders.
“We’re trying to get know who is who and form relationships and talk to each other,” said Franklin.
Residents are being encouraged to attend the neighborhood watch meetings or start a group in their area. For more information, please contact Alicia Dorn at [email protected] or Chief Lloyd Franklin, Sr. at [email protected].
Following is the list of neighborhood watch meetings scheduled for June:
- 3rd Avenue meets June 2nd at 6 p.m. at Boone/Murphy House, 714 W. 4th
- Central Park meets June 9th at 6 p.m. at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar
- Jefferson Heights meets June 13th at 6 p.m. LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED
- Taylor Association meets June 14th at 7 p.m. at Rose Hill Baptist Church, 2121 W. 26th
- Belmont/Broadmoor meets June 14th at 6 p.m. at 1302 Washington St.
- Calvary Association meets June 16th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephens COGIC, 4805 W. 14th
- Sheraton Park meets June 16th at 6:30 p.m. at 4101 Hazel St.
- University Park meets June 23rd at 6 p.m. at Family Community Center, 1001 N. Palm St.
- East Harding meets June 27th at 6 p.m. at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 812 E. Harding
