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Fort Smith Police report drop in Group A crime, expand youth and wellness programs
Summary
Chief James Baker presented the Fort Smith Police Department—s 2024 annual report to the Board of Directors, citing a 14% drop in Group A crime, expanded community programs and plans to propose officer pay increases in the 2026 budget.
Chief James Baker presented the Fort Smith Police Department—s 2024 annual report to the Fort Smith Board of Directors on May 20, saying the city saw an overall drop in reported crime and that the department would pursue pay increases for officers in the 2026 budget.
Baker said the department recorded a 14% decrease in Group A crime in 2024 from 2023 and a 33% decrease since 2019. "Public transparency continues to be one of my steadfast, unwavering commitments to the people of Fort Smith," Baker told the board, highlighting the department—s public records and outreach work.
The report outlined staffing, budget and program details. Baker said the department has 226 authorized positions, and that sworn staffing increased from 164 to 167 officers in 2024.…
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