Editor, The Commercial:
Having had the opportunity to work with every police chief since 1998, I found Chief Kelvin Sergeant to be as good as any to work with on community projects and public safety. He was someone who continued to look for better strategies to improve the department, i.e., the Shotspotter Gunshot locator (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY8A6uMet48&feature=youtu.be ) and Ten Point Pen or Pencil Expansion youth and re-entry Initiative, etc.
Today, Chief Sergeant is moving closer to his day of retiring, and soon another chief will take the reins of the Pine Bluff Police Department.
My thoughts and questions in my humble opinion:
I think it was a very bad idea to disassemble the Pine Bluff Civil Service Commission, which was working well for the citizens of Pine Bluff. I believe public safety could be strengthened by returning the commission, an independent, non-political group of citizens having a greater knowledge regarding public safety.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
I pray the city’s new police chief is one with a record of proven strategies, and data that reveals his/her successes in crime reduction, and skin color is not the determining factor for selecting someone. I believe the mayor will do the best job she can based on her knowledge of law enforcement and public safety.
What is the candidate’s strategy for reducing crime? How will the candidate fill needs and gaps in services for specifics related to Pine Bluff?
Will the new chief be in favor of: Implementing zero tolerance and saturated patrols? Increasing police surveillance and evidentiary recording of criminal activity? Increasing warrant service? Increasing the ability for crime mapping, increase coordination between the Pine Bluff Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department?
What is their opinion on Community Oriented Policing? Will the candidate improve accessibility and approachability of law enforcement officers in general? Will the candidate continue an ongoing dialog with neighborhood residents and neighborhood groups about the problems that contribute to the crime, violence, fear, and drug abuse in the neighborhood, e.g., Coffee with the Chiefs?
Will the candidate ensure that the police recognize the value of resident input and involvement and that the residents are given a voice on the proposed police practices in their neighborhood? How does the candidate feel about stop and frisk? Does the candidate believe in defunding the police; why or why not?
How will the candidate provide and support youth activities? Will the candidate support and provide healthy alternatives to dangerous, unlawful activities through after-school and summer programs for children and youths?
Public safety in not something to tinker with because it is the number one concern for business and citizens who consider Pine Bluff as a place to live and raise a family. Finally, police do not have the ability to stop homicides. Nonetheless, through the implementation of strategies like Ten Point Pen or Pencil expansion and Ceasefire Zones, homicides can be reduced.
The Rev. Jesse C. Turner, executive director,
Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc.