Residents must call 911 to get police response
Requests for all officers required to go through centralized dispatch
The new centralized dispatch center in St. Francis County is now handling all calls to police agencies within the county, including the Forrest City Police Department.
Forrest City Police Chief Ronald Broussard said any resident needing the local police for any reason should call 911.
"Anytime you need the police, call 911," said Broussard. "If police have to be dispatched, it is considered an emergency."
Broussard said calls to 911 could include but are not limited to burglary calls, reports of gunshots, reporting fires and animal control.
"If your cat is stuck in a tree and you need an officer, call 911," said Broussard. "Anything you'd need a police dispatch for will constitute an emergency."
It is one of a few changes taking placing in the department for which Broussard officially began directing on Monday.
"Our lobby is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., but the police station never closes,” he said.
Broussard said residents needing into the department after hours should also call 911 and an officer will meet residents at the police station for any reports that need to be taken.
"You can call 911 and we will still meet you at the lobby," said Broussard.
Broussard said the department’s phone number, 633-3434, should be only be used by residents for city business, offering examples such as wanting to learn more about becoming an officer, requesting speed bumps in neighborhoods or signing up for a neighborhood watch program.
"Or any other number of things we have going on here, you would call the 3434 number. It is more the business line if you call that number from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.,” he said.
Broussard said the department would be planning another neighborhood watch meeting for later this month.
"The first meeting was just an introduction meeting," said Broussard. "The next one will be so we can get organized."
Broussard said residents should expect to elect a governing body to include a president and a recording secretary.
"So we can make it at least a monthly meeting or however they want it to be set up," he said Broussard. "But, we want to go ahead and get organized and give out our signs."
Broussard also said residents, businesses and local organizations are encouraged to attend an active shooter class at
the Civic Center on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
"It is sponsored by the FBI and it is free," he said. "You don't have to register, just come. We really just want everyone to show up. Churches and organizations, we want to let people know the best way to respond in those situations. It will help show weak spots in their security and things like that."
For more information on the neighborhood watch program or to sign up, call the police department’s non-emergency number at 633-3434.
For all emergencies or to request an officer, call 911.