Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The Pine Bluff Police Department’s latest crime report shows a promising decline in overall crime across the city, highlighting a 10 percent decrease year-over-year at the end of June. According to the department’s statistics, there were 268 crimes reported in June, down from 297 in June 2024. Even more striking, the year-to-date crime total at the end of June stood at 1,407, reflecting a staggering 58 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
In a June 2025 update presented by Pine Bluff Police Chief Shirley Warrior to the Pine Bluff City Council’s Public Safety Committee, the department shared several key improvements. Among the most notable, the city recorded only one homicide in June, a 66 percent drop from the previous year. Year-to-date, Pine Bluff has seen four homicides, with arrests made in each case.
The report also revealed that reported rapes declined by 50 percent in June, while commercial burglaries were down more than 63 percent.
“Department officials are pleased with the downward trend in crime statistics, but we all know there is more work that must be done,” said Pine Bluff Police Department Public Information Specialist John Worthen. “We want the community to know we are out there to make this city a better place. That’s the ultimate goal for everyone in this community.”
Areas for Continued Focus
Despite the positive momentum, not every category saw improvement. The department reported that aggravated assaults increased by over 37 percent in June, and residential burglaries rose more than 31 percent during the same period.
Other key June statistics included:
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2,453 calls for service
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249 traffic stops
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2,702 total June incidents
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17,019 year-to-date calls
The city has also recorded six vehicle fatalities through June, with no reported pedestrian deaths. In the detective division, 66 new cases were opened in June, resulting in 28 arrests.
The vice and narcotics unit seized drugs valued at $29,250 in June, along with $12,275.33 in cash. Thirteen arrests were made, and three weapons were confiscated. The unit also reported seizing 2,211.2 grams of marijuana and 16.1 grams of methamphetamine during the month.
Targeting High-Crime Zones
Zone 1, an area bordered by Cherry and Hazel streets south to Interstate 530, recorded the most calls related to possible gunfire in June, with 26 incidents. In response, police launched the first two rounds of Operation Stop the Bleed on July 9 and July 11, an anti-crime campaign focused on high-call areas. The operation is set to continue with 10 more rounds through the rest of the year, shifting focus to areas where criminal activity appears to be increasing.
Zone 2 reported the fewest gunfire-related calls in June, with only 2 incidents, while Zones 4 and 6 each had 7 calls, and Zone 3 had 11 calls. Altogether, the city received 61 reports of possible gunfire last month.
Community Involvement Is Key
“As we continue to actively patrol the streets of Pine Bluff, we are asking all residents to report concerns to us,” Worthen emphasized. “It’s like the old saying goes, ‘See something, say something.’ We are all partners in this effort to make Pine Bluff shine. We are planning many more things to come to help combat crime.”
While the numbers are encouraging, Pine Bluff officials stress that maintaining these improvements will require continued community involvement, targeted policing, and proactive programs aimed at reducing crime across all neighborhoods.
