Police Fighting Crime 'One Block At A Time'
By: Brian Kushida
Updated: January 7, 2011
Authorities in Texarkana, Arkansas are taking extra steps to encourage its residents to speak out against crimes happening in their neighborhoods.
Louis Acruman has lived in the same home for more than 60 years. But lately, the thought of going outside at night simply scares him.
"There's a lot of violence going on. There's a lot of burglaries and break-ins," Acruman said.
Texarkana Arkansas Police are hoping to help fight that crime, neighborhood by neighborhood, through a intiative called One Block At A Time.
"We're going to do everything we can to make that community just better overall to be in," Officer Kristi Mitchell said.
Some neighborhoods have had several break-ins, while others are violating code ordinances.
Police hope to better get to know homeowners by going door-to-door. They're encouraging them to report areas overgrown with brush, buildings in disrepair, and places that could foster criminal activity. Mitchell says once the violations have been addressed in a particular area, the focus will shift to a new neighborhood.
"You need to know your community to know who's in it," Mitchell said.
They're all efforts that residents like Acruman appreciate.
"To protect my property and my home, and my safety," Acruman said.
And for others, too.
Right now, police are focusing on an area between State Line Avenue to Jefferson Avenue. They hope to move to another neighborhood by next month.
Authorities say while the program just started, they've already cited several violations, thanks to the community.
