Friends,

The Little Rock Police Department's Real-Time Crime Center is a game-changing law enforcement tool that helps reduce crime. Police Chief Heath Helton calls the Real-Time Crime Center a "force multiplier" for its capabilities that allow the LRPD to use technology to enhance crime prevention and investigation efforts.

On Tuesday, the Little Rock Board of Directors is expected to authorize an agreement with our software and equipment vendor to keep the Real-Time Crime Center operational for another five years. With the software, LRPD utilizes an interconnected network of cameras to assist and support its officers through as-it-happens updates and information. For instance, officers could track a suspected stolen car as it moves through town. The center is important for officer safety as well, as the Real-Time Crime Center often serves as LRPD's eyes and ears during certain incidents. This 21st-century approach to policing is an essential piece of our holistic crime-reduction strategy.

We need your help as we enhance and expand this critical crime-fighting tool. Through our Eyes On The Rock initiative, Little Rock businesses may add their cameras to the growing Real-Time Crime Center network, and residents can let us know about the security cameras they own that could potentially play a valuable role in future investigations.

We ask businesses and nonprofit organizations like schools and hospitals to consider integrating their cameras directly into the Real-Time Crime Center. Camera integration allows for LRPD to have live access to camera feeds in case of a nearby incident or emergency. Integration requires a one-time purchase of a device that allows for camera-sharing.

For residents, camera registration is an option. With registration, law enforcement would never have camera-sharing ability or access to a live video stream. Registration merely lets LRPD know that a camera is present. That way, officers will know if registered cameras are in the vicinity of an incident they are investigating. If officers think there may be video evidence on your registered cameras, LRPD will email you to ask whether officers can have permission to view the camera feed. More than 2,200 cameras are already registered with the Real-Time Crime Center. Nearly 2,000 more are fully integrated.

Please consider participating in Eyes On The Rock to make our City safer by supporting our public servants and first responders. Through Eyes On The Rock and the Real-Time Crime Center, we can respond more quickly to emergencies and can more effectively prevent and solve crimes.

GloWild!, one of the City's most popular holiday attractions, is back this year with new light displays and interactive experiences at the Little Rock Zoo. This year, GloWild features three new themed areas, some brand-new lanterns to see and a place where families can gather for s'mores.

GloWild opened early this month and continues through Jan. 5, 2025. Visit the zoo's website for additional details, including the full schedule and ticket information. Discounted tickets are available for families of four and for families receiving SNAP benefits.

A special Sensory Night is planned Thursday, Dec. 12, with lights and sounds adjusted for sensory sensitivity. On Dec. 31, celebrate a family-friendly New Year's Eve party during GloWild.

This year, GloWild guests will be able to view special areas like Mystical Marvels, featuring dragons, birds, and other creatures that inspire imagination; Animal Kingdom, where guests can witness scenes from the savannah and see animals from around the world through larger-than-life lanterns; and Under the Sea, with the wonders of the ocean and illuminated visions of whales, sharks and coral reefs.

Please join us this year by taking in the magic of GloWild and supporting the Little Rock Zoo, a must-see educational and family attraction. We appreciate all our sponsors, including presenting sponsor Be Well Arkansas, a program of the Arkansas Department of Health, for their support of this event.

Little Rock's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs is sponsoring its annual Winter Coat Drive, and it is seeking donations of gently used coats, socks and gloves.

To participate, just drop off items during weekday business hours at one of our neighborhood resource centers: East Little Rock Neighborhood Resource Center, 500 E. 21st St., Valley Drive Neighborhood Resource Center, 5621 Valley Drive, Wright Avenue Neighborhood Resource Center, 1813 Wright Ave., or the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St.

With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of Little Rock residents.

Please donate coats, socks and gloves by Dec. 13.

• The Little Rock Board of Directors meets Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall, 500 W. Markham St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock's Facebook and YouTube pages.
• This month's "Movies at MacArthur" is Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 503 E. Ninth St. The featured film is "Elvis and the USS Arizona." The screening is free. Refreshments will be provided and a discussion of the film will follow.
• The Little Rock Land Bank Commission will meet Wednesday, Nov. 20, at noon at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St. The Land Bank Commission works to reduce blight and increase home ownership.
• On Thursday, Nov. 21, the City of Little Rock Public Works Department will host an open-forum public meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1818 Reservoir Road. At the meeting, City team members will present work plans and take comments from residents related to drainage projects on Montrose Drive and Longlea Court in Ward 4.