Public Safety

Vision Statement

Conway Public Safety: responsible for everyone; accountable to everyone.

10 Goals

In 2035, Conway will establish an independent citizens review board for public safety departments to review misconduct and excessive force claims and review development and training to ensure transparency and accountability.
In 2035, Conway will take advantage of the current Crisis Stabilization Unit in Pulaski County with a long-term goal of creating and funding an independent Crisis Stabilization Unit to better serve and protect citizens with special needs of any kind.
In 2035, Conway will have a robust set of options to respond to emergencies including a local crisis stabilization unit, non-armed response teams, social workers, trained EMT’s, etc. so that local dispatch have a variety of teams available to respond to a diverse range of emergencies in an equitable and safe method for all members of the community.
In 2035, Conway has reduced or eliminated all fines and fees associated with the criminal legal process, including cash bail to decriminalize poverty.
In 2035, Conway will demonstrate a greater focus on community policing and training so that residents and officers will better trust one another and depend on one another.
In 2035, Conway will have established a formal program created by community, experts, and social workers, together with law enforcement to reduce the real number of arrests and incarcerations.
In 2035, Conway will have decreased the incarcerated population and arrest rates by 50% and crime will also be down in the city by a proportional amount so that our city can have more people contributing to our society.
In 2035, Conway will have committed to having a bi-annual townhall for community input and continuous improvement on how the city can improve and sustain public safety.
In 2035, Conway will reduce the number of SROs to reduce punitive incidents and better serve students and implement alternative methods, including nurses, social workers, and psychologists.
In 2035, Conway will hire a more diverse workforce across the public safety sector to better represent all citizens in our community.

5 Ways Individuals Can Support This Sector

Find ways to get involved: Volunteer, give or donate to local organizations that provide direct support to the most vulnerable in our community, including at-risk students, those dealing with homelessness.
Develop a personal crisis network as first-response to emergency situations instead of police response (neighbors, family, friends, neighborhood group or associations, etc.)
Obtain first-aid training, including street medic, mental health first-aid training, etc.
Amplify community voices and their needs to policy makers: Speak to City Council representatives and other government officials; encourage others to do the same
Find aspirational benchmarks in communities around the country and research their policies. Invite those who have lived elsewhere to share their experiences in those communities.

5 Ways Organizations Can Support This Sector

Conway Chamber – educating the business community about changes in public safety response (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
Local behavioral health experts/hospitals – responsible to set community expectations on public safety response.
New Community Review Board – Host listening community sessions
Local Media – distribute information to community members about how to give feedback on public safety and distribute public safety goals
Local Health Care Organizations – Can lead a public education campaign on keeping weapons secured and reducing unintentional shootings, child access to guns, and suicides.