Twitter / Little Rock Police Department

The Little Rock Police Department’s Recruit School graduated 18 new officers today at a ceremony held at the at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

The LRPD and city officials have often discussed the large number of vacancies — more than 70 — as a significant factor in the problem of crime in Little Rock.

Advertisement

There have been 38 recorded homicides this year in Little Rock.

After the Power Ultra Lounge mass shooting, in which 25 were shot, Mayor Mark Stodola announced LR for Life, a plan to reduce crime in Little Rock. It included multiple measures to increase recruitment, including monetary incentives for those who sign up for the police department and city employees that recruit others to enter the academy to become a police officer. The plan said it will “engage an advertising and public relations firm to deploy statewide and regional recruitment marketing plan.”

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge spoke to the graduating recruits. You can see her full remarks here.

Advertisement

She mentioned the importance of training,  bringing up the Little Rock police officers’ use of their Emergency Casualty Care training to apply five tourniquets and one chest seal bandage after the Power Ultra Lounge mass shooting.

“Our officers here in Little Rock turned what could have been a mass killing tragedy into a crime scene by saving those lives,” she said. “So we can’t thank our officers enough.”

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article 2nd Potbelly opening benefits ACCESS schools Next article Celebrate Restaurant Month with today’s deals