STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR JOE HARRIS, JR.
To the Citizens of Osceola:
For three consecutive years, our city has experienced a decline in major crime. That progress has not happened by accident. It is the result of the dedicated work of the men and women of the Osceola Police Department, strengthened by our partnerships with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, Arkansas State Police, and other law enforcement agencies.
However, the recent acts of violence that occurred in our city over the weekend are deeply concerning and will not be tolerated.
I want the citizens of Osceola to know that our Police Department is using every resource and every lawful option available to protect our community, investigate these incidents, and hold those responsible accountable.
No city can guarantee that violence will never occur. Regardless of how many laws are passed or how many officers we place on our streets, there will unfortunately be individuals who choose to break the law and endanger others.
But let me be very clear to anyone who chooses violence in Osceola:
We will investigate. We will identify you. We will find you. We will arrest you. And we will work with prosecutors to ensure that you are held accountable to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Acts of violence have no place in our city. We have worked too hard to make Osceola safer, and we will not allow the reckless actions of a few individuals to undermine the progress our community has made.
Public safety, however, requires a partnership between law enforcement and the community. If you witness criminal activity, have information concerning an act of violence, or see something suspicious, please contact the Osceola Police Department or dial 911 in an emergency. Even the smallest piece of information may help law enforcement solve a crime and prevent another one. If you see something, say something.
To the people of Osceola: remain vigilant, remain united, and continue working with us.
We will not allow violence to define our community.
Joe Harris, Jr. Mayor
City of Osceola, Arkansas
