Jonesboro Announces Increased Holiday Patrols

“We’ve had great feedback in the past with this program. Our goal is to reach 1,000 hours of additional police presence. We have seen that more police visibility deters crime in parking lots and in stores. This year we will have officers in vehicles, on foot, and visible in stores. We want patrons to be comfortable and confident that they are safe here,” said Mayor Copenhaver.

The additional patrols will include officers driving through parking lots with solid blue lights displayed to increase visibility. Officers are also encouraged to walk through stores, providing a direct and approachable safety presence.

“During the holiday season, we welcome the influx of people coming to our city to shop, dine, and celebrate the season. We are doing our part to be proactive in offering extra officers to patrol high-traffic shopping areas again this year. But we also need you, residents and visitors, to do your part,” said Chief of Police Rick Elliott.

The Jonesboro Police Department reminds residents and visitors to take the following precautions while shopping:

• Secure your belongings: Do not leave valuables in vehicles, whether locked or unlocked.
• Shop smart: Don’t buy more than you can carry, or plan for someone to help you transport items to your vehicle.
• Stay aware: Be attentive to your surroundings and avoid distractions like mobile devices in parking lots or crowded spaces. If you see something suspicious, call 911.
• Be cautious with payments: Wait until asked before pulling out your credit card, cash, or checkbook.

“A safer shopping and dining experience during our busiest season is great for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. We want people from all around to spend their time here supporting our local economy,” added Mayor Copenhaver.

For more information on holiday safety or police activities, contact the Jonesboro Police Department at 870-935-5657 or email Sally Smith at ssmith@jonesboro.org.

press release