Little Rock city leaders addressed the recent surge of homicides, emphasizing their commitment to public safety and also highlighting ongoing crime reduction efforts. Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton acknowledged the human impact of crime statistics.

Jones adds that crime is down. According to the police, in 2024 Little Rock saw 37 homicides. Although it may not have felt like it, that’s a 41% decrease compared to 2023 which had 63 homicides. But despite the numbers, Jones said the youth of Pulaski County are in a crisis.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott and Police Chief Heath Helton described the city's spate of homicides over the past month as an "anomaly" during a news conference Friday morning at the department's downtown headquarters.