Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The City of Jonesboro is being awarded $3.5 million in federal appropriations for the E-911/Real Time Crime Center.
Arkansas Sen. John Boozman authored the provision in 2024 and helped bring to its final step, when President Donald Trump authorized the congressional appropriations legislation.
“Providing new technology and equipment for law enforcement to receive timely information while protecting the community will help combat crime and enhance the quality of life,” Boozman said in a press release. “I am proud to champion our men and women in uniform — and the personnel that support them — by securing this funding that strengthens public safety in Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.”
The funding will add to $500,000 secured by Jonesboro’s federal delegation last year for public safety technology enhancements.
In June 2025, the Jonesboro City Council approved $17.5 million in revenue bonds backed by franchise fees to invest in various city projects, the E-911/Real Time Crime Center being one of them. Other revenue bond projects include expanding Caraway Road and building new pedestrian and bike-friendly trails.
The center will be located on city-owned property on Washington Avenue.
“I am thankful for the persistent work of Senators Boozman and Tom Cotton, and Congressman Rick Crawford. Successfully navigating specific appropriations from concept to presidential authorization takes commitment and dedication. They understand how important this project is to the safety of Northeast Arkansas,” Jonesboro mayor Harold Copenhaver said in the release.
Groundbreaking for the building is expected to take place this spring, with construction estimated to take one and a half to two years. Once operational, the center will have separate spaces for E-911 dispatchers and crime center analysts, as well as a conference room and administrative space.
“This funding comes at a critical time and will both ensure this project is successful and save the city money that can be utilized for other public safety needs and facilities. Continuing to invest in the safety of Jonesboro residents is, and will always be, my top priority,” Copenhaver said.