The U.S. Attorney General Discusses Progress in Fighting Violent Crime in Arkansas – The Published Reporter

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 the significant federal funding that will be provided to help Arkansas improve its crime-fighting capabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will allocate more than $1 million to the state under the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program, aimed at improving the handling of DNA evidence in criminal cases. This funding is part of a broader initiative to address the DNA testing backlog that has hampered 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 perpetrators from remaining at large.

Additional $4 million for criminal history corrections

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

DOJ’s Strategy to Curb Violent Crime

Garland emphasized that over the past three years, the Department of Justice has been working with state and local law enforcement agencies to curb violent crime in Arkansas and across the country. He noted that the DOJ’s strategy includes targeting violent criminals, confiscating illegal firearms and dismantling violent gangs. According to the attorney general, this multifaceted approach has led to a decrease in the number of murders over the past year. Garland’s visit is part of a broader federal initiative to work with states like Arkansas to address rising crime rates. By focusing on violent offenders and gang activity, the DOJ aims to make communities safer while addressing the root causes of violence.

Law enforcement agencies in Arkansas are already beginning to see positive results from these partnerships, with increased arrests of violent criminals and a focus on tracking down illegal weapons. The aim 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, increasing safety and security for residents.