$3.5 Million Grant for Jonesboro E911/Real Time Crime Center Secured

JONESBORO, Ark. — The City of Jonesboro is being awarded a total of three and half million dollars in federal appropriations for public safety needs related to its Real Time Crime Center. Senator John Boozman first authored the provision in 2024 and helped navigate it toward its final step last week when President Trump authorized the congressional appropriations legislation.

“Providing new technology and equipment for law enforcement to receive timely information while protecting the community will help combat crime and enhance the quality of life,” said Boozman. “I am proud to champion our men and women in uniform — and the personnel that support them — by securing this funding that strengthens public safety in Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.”

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The funding will add to $500,000 secured by Jonesboro’s federal delegation last year for public safety technology enhancements.

In June of 2025, the Jonesboro City Council approved $17.5 million dollars in franchise fee-backed revenue bonds to invest in critical city projects as part of the Destination 100k initiative. Among the approved projects is a new facility for the E-911 / Real Time Crime Center operations. Currently the two programs are housed in three separate facilities, one of which is the Jonesboro Justice Complex that has been otherwise vacant due to structural concerns in the non-reinforced areas of the building.

“I am thankful for the persistent work of Senators Boozman and Tom Cotton, and Congressman Rick Crawford. Successfully navigating specific appropriations from concept to presidential authorization takes commitment and dedication. They understand how important this project is to the safety of Northeast Arkansas,” stated Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver

Jonesboro’s innovative Real-Time Crime and Intelligence Center now boasts more than 700 cameras strategically positioned around the city and partners with neighboring cities to create mutually beneficial information sharing. Data collected and retained also provides a valuable resource in building evidence to close cases, helping resolve accident disputes and identifying needed traffic and safety improvements. Information collected by the system provides officers with the latest updates to make informed decisions when situations or accidents are dispatched to first responders.

The process involved with obtaining federal funding can be lengthy -but critical – given Jonesboro’s limited funding resources when compared to other cities around the state, according to Jonesboro Grants Director Chris Richey. “When it comes to securing federal resources, persistence is vital. The process can feel cumbersome, but strong relationships with our lawmakers help ensure that critical federal funding makes its way back to Jonesboro, “ he said.

The city is expected to break ground on the new facility this spring with construction anticipated to take 1.5 to 2 years to complete. Once operational it will provide modern, divided workspaces for both E-911 dispatchers and crime center analysts. The center will also include shared conference space for crime center and dispatch personnel to interact when the need arises as well as administrative office space for both programs.

“This funding comes at a critical time and will both ensure this project is successful and save the city money that can be utilized for other public safety needs and facilities. Continuing to invest in the safety of Jonesboro residents is, and will always be, my top priority,” added Mayor Copenhaver.