Operation Community First was launched by the Fort Smith Police Department in 2018 with the goal of increasing non-enforcement contacts and reducing the number of major crimes throughout Fort Smith.
The public relations initiative was devised by Fort Smith Police Chief Nathaniel Clark and conducted by all FSPD staff at his behest. The goal was 10% face-to-face contacts with the city’s 88,037 population in year one.
Through department-wide efforts, our officers eclipsed that goal, reaching 13,718 citizens, or approximately 16% of Fort Smith residents. This initiative was just one of many that aided in a reported reduction of Part 1 Crimes, lower than the preceding eight years per data to date.
“The feedback from the community has been extremely positive; citizens and businesses spoke highly of it, referencing the greater visibility. The initiative clearly produced some outstanding results,” said Clark. “It is without question: working together, we can and will make a difference in the quality of life in Fort Smith, and we cannot thank this community enough for its support and for allowing us to serve them.”
