BLYTHEVILLE -Tuesday evening, the Police and Fire Committee met to discuss reports and year-to-date statistics on the crime rate in Blytheville in comparison to previous rates.
Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson reported statistics which included a chart of different crimes—larceny, burglary, vehicle theft, assault simple/ assault aggravated, robbery, rape and murder -- over the past five years.
“Our crime really started coming down significantly between 2016 and 2017 as far as burglary and robbery goes, we are still consistent with the downturn of most crimes,” Thompson said.
Thompson also mentioned the Blytheville Police Department (BPD) is in colaboration with the Gang Task Force. The Gang Task Force is comprised of sheriff and police departments within the second judicial district. Thompson said it will help the BPD transfer information when it comes to gang related crimes with other departments within the second judicial district.
“One of the reasons why so many kids in Blytheville are drawn to gangs is that the gang values replace the family values,” Thompson said.
Councilwoman Vera James added sometimes it is children that are raised in good homes that defy their parents to join gangs.
“Many times we underestimate people, because a lot of the kids that get caught up in gangs, some of those children come from good families with good family values and they become rebellious,” James said.
Blytheville Fire Chief Mike Carney announced they filled the vacant fire fighter position and are currently fully staffed.
Carney also mentioned the department received a $3,000 donation from Southern Bancorp to purchase training aids.
“We’ll specifically be using this donation to purchase an Interactive Digital Board,” Carney said. “I want to give recognition to the Southern Bancorp personnel because we did not expect help for the whole thing but they helped us with the entire purchase.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Jennifer Revels from Pafford EMS gave a report as well and made it clear they would be available to both the Blytheville Police and Fire Departments if any on-the-job assistance is ever needed.
“I cannot stress enough that they need to call us if they need us, whether it is handing them a bottled water or getting them an IV of fluids to keep them hydrated. It is very hot at this time of year and they have to stay hydrated,” Revels said.