Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Arkansas State Police recently joined forces for Operation Stop the Bleed, a proactive crime prevention campaign aimed at curbing violence in the city’s most troubled neighborhoods. According to the Pine Bluff Police Department (PBPD), the first two rounds of this operation resulted in 27 tickets, 36 warnings, and a total of 56 charges.
The special patrols took place on Wednesday, July 9, and Friday, July 11, focusing on Zone 1, an area bordered by Hazel and Cherry streets. This area was selected because of its notably high volume of calls related to gunfire. In June alone, Zone 1 reported 26 calls about possible gunfire, a figure significantly higher than other city zones. For comparison, Zone 2 had only two calls, Zone 3 had eleven, Zone 4 had seven, Zone 5 had eight, and Zone 6 had seven calls regarding suspected gun activity.
“If anyone in this city is illegally firing guns, know that you will eventually be seeing someone from the PBPD,” said John Worthen, Public Information Specialist for the Pine Bluff Police Department. “We are serious about fighting crime in this community. The residents are fed up with it, and so are we.”
Multiple Violations Addressed
According to PBPD, many of the 27 tickets issued during the first two rounds included multiple offenses. Violations ranged from expired tags, lack of insurance, and suspended driver’s licenses to speeding. Police also issued two citations for marijuana possession. Despite the numerous charges, no arrests were made during these initial operations.
Pine Bluff Police Chief Shirley Warrior described Operation Stop the Bleed as a 10-round proactive crimefighting initiative. With eight rounds still ahead, PBPD officials are optimistic about the campaign’s early impact.
“It lets people know we are out there doing our job,” Worthen added. “Residents want to know that someone has their backs. That’s us. That is why we are here.”
Dates for the remaining Stop the Bleed patrols will be announced at a later time as the initiative continues its mission to improve safety and restore peace in Pine Bluff’s hardest-hit neighborhoods.
