Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Pine Bluff Police Department Chief Shawn Davis outlined a sweeping set of priorities for the department during a meeting with the Pine Bluff Small Business Association last week, presenting plans focused on recruitment, technology upgrades, crime prevention, and community partnerships. Davis, who took office Jan. 1, emphasized that the department is pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening public safety while improving transparency and professionalism.
Proposal for Local Police Training Academy
Among the most notable goals is the creation of a police training academy in Pine Bluff. Davis said more than 20 qualified instructors are already available locally and could train recruits both in the classroom and on the gun range.
“I think that this would bring more recruits because they wouldn’t have to go to Camden and be away from their families for 14 weeks,” Davis said. “They can go home at the end of the day and be with their families.”
Representatives from the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training are scheduled to visit Pine Bluff to discuss the proposal. Currently, law enforcement training centers operate in Camden, Benton, and Springdale.
Technology Improvements and Camera Upgrades
Davis said the department is working with Motorola, which provides radios and body cameras, to install live camera systems throughout the city. Existing camera technology known as “Flock” has been unreliable, he said, and the new system is intended to deter crime and assist investigations.
Violent Crime Task Force Substation and Training
A former fire department building at 30th Avenue and Ash will house the reinstated Violent Crime Task Force. Davis said members will complete 40 hours of specialized training before deployment.
“I just didn’t want to throw the team together and tell them to hit the streets without training,” Davis said. “It is good to have training on basic skills, such as felony arrests. And while arresting people, we want to make sure we are not violating anyone’s rights. Not everyone is a criminal, and we do not treat everyone like they are criminals. We have to maintain a level of professionalism while we are doing our jobs.”
The chief also noted that the department recently achieved state accreditation and is working toward national accreditation, which he said will improve grant eligibility and accountability.
“It will also hold us more accountable,” the chief said. “It’s a little stricter than state, which means we have to be more disciplined.”
Traffic Enforcement and Visible Policing
Davis said traffic violations remain widespread, including expired tags, paper tags, speeding, and drivers cutting through parking lots. He believes stronger enforcement can help curb broader criminal activity.
“I think once we get the message out that the police department won’t accept that, however minor it may seem, I think a lot of crime can be stopped with traffic stops. Often you can find drugs, guns, people with warrants. It starts with basic policing in patrol.”
Currently, the department has only one traffic officer, but Davis said efforts are underway to rebuild the Traffic Division. Officers will be encouraged to make traffic stops between calls to increase visibility and proactive policing.
He also announced that new patrol vehicles will feature highly visible markings rather than the subdued “ghost writing” used previously.
“If you are the police, you need to look like the police and be the police. We want to be seen. People like to know the police are in their neighborhood.”
Strengthening Community Policing
Davis said the department is hiring a Neighborhood Watch coordinator, describing neighborhood watches as essential to community policing efforts. The program will be headquartered at 13th Avenue and Cherry Street, where a sergeant will oversee two officers.
In closing, Davis advised business owners that prevention measures remain critical.
“These things can help us out a lot if something happens,” he said. “We are dispatched and answer every alarm call that comes in.”
He encouraged businesses to install strong locks and doors, clear surveillance cameras, and alarm systems, noting that such measures help officers respond more effectively and deter criminal activity.
Through these initiatives, Davis aims to strengthen recruitment, improve technology and training, enhance enforcement, and build stronger partnerships with residents and businesses as the department works to reduce crime and improve public safety across Pine Bluff.
