U.S. Attorney General Discusses Progress of Fighting Violent Crime in Arkansas

United States Attorney General Merrick Garland visited Arkansas on Thursday to meet with state officials to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime in the state.

$1 Million Awarded to Arkansas for DNA Backlog Reduction

During his visit, Garland highlighted significant federal funding that will be provided to assist Arkansas in enhancing its crime-fighting capabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will allocate over $1 million to the state under the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program, aimed at improving the processing of DNA evidence in criminal cases. This funding is part of a broader initiative to address the backlog of DNA testing, which has hindered the resolution of cases in Arkansas. By speeding up the processing of DNA evidence, the state hopes to solve more violent crimes, bring justice to victims, and prevent offenders from remaining at large.

Additional $4 Million for Criminal History Improvements

In addition to the DNA backlog reduction funding, Garland announced that Arkansas received $4 million earlier in the week through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP). This program is designed to enhance the accuracy, availability, and accessibility of criminal history records, which are crucial for law enforcement, background checks, and public safety. The NCHIP grant will allow Arkansas to update its criminal databases, ensuring that law enforcement agencies across the state have access to reliable and timely information. This improved infrastructure will also aid in the identification and prosecution of repeat offenders, contributing to the state’s ongoing crime reduction efforts.

DOJ’s Strategy to Curb Violent Crime

Garland emphasized that the Department of Justice has been working with state and local law enforcement agencies for the past three years to curb violent crime in Arkansas and across the country. He noted that the DOJ’s strategy includes targeting violent felons, seizing illegal firearms, and dismantling violent gangs. This multi-pronged approach has led to a decrease in homicides over the last year, according to the attorney general. Garland’s visit is part of a broader federal initiative to collaborate with states like Arkansas in tackling rising crime rates. By focusing on violent offenders and gang activity, the DOJ aims to make communities safer while also addressing the root causes of violence.

Law enforcement agencies in Arkansas have already begun to see positive results from these partnerships, with increased arrests of violent criminals and a focus on tracing illegal guns. The goal is not only to prosecute those responsible for violent crimes but also to disrupt the networks that facilitate their activities. As the state continues to implement these strategies, the combined efforts of local, state, and federal agencies are expected to further reduce violent crime rates in Arkansas, bringing safety and security to its residents.