City leaders in Pine Bluff are calling on churches to help spur economic development and improve the city's image. It’s a new component of an already existing program.
When police found a 57-year-old man dead inside of a club house earlier this year, it marked the start of more than a dozen homicides in Pine Bluff. Two months later a 20-year-old shot was and killed at 9
th Ave. and Ash Street in the wee hours of the morning. Neither case has been solved.
Another unsolved homicide happened on Virginia St., police found a 21-year-old man dead inside of a car. Witnesses told authorities they knew something wasn't right when the car was parked on the street with smoke coming from the hood.
Crime is one reason why the police department is strengthening its relationship with pastors like Rev. R.J. Lightsey. He's meeting with the police chief and other clergy to help combat crime and promote Pine Bluff.
“A person who would use the term calling our city ‘Crime Bluff’ probably doesn't live here. Secondly I would question what it is they are doing or have done to make a positive contribution to the city,” Lightsey said.
Police hope the contribution of churches will help. "We are faith based and we just hope these other faith based agencies can help us get out in to the community and spread the word," Rawlinson added.
"Crimes are committed by people and as you change people's habits and lifestyles, as you give them more hope and tools to live with, as you give them more opportunities, you can reduce crime,” Lightsey said.
Clergy members will meet with police and fire representatives Wednesday morning in hopes their influence will outshine the work of criminals. Lt. Rawlinson says crime is down 10 % from this time last year and the police department is noticing a drastic decrease in burglaries.
