LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The search is over for the new police chief of the Little Rock Police Department.
Mayor Frank Scott Jr. announced Wednesday morning that Heath Helton will take on the role full-time, making him the 39th police chief of the department.
Helton helped oversee the launch of LRPD's real-time crime center.
Concerns over crime were one of the things Scott Jr. and Helton mentioned in the announcement.
Helton said he has nearly three decades with the LRPD and he's ready to tackle the challenges the city faces.
"I found out this morning this opportunity was going to be given to me," Helton said. "I'm truly humbled."
Helton wasted no time outlining the city's challenges after taking the podium.
"Violent crime is one of the issues that we're addressing right now," Helton said. "It's unfortunate the tragic homicides we've seen across our community."
On Wednesday, Scott Jr. claimed violent crime declined by 8% and overall crime is down 1% compared to last year.
"We've transitioned from a sole focus on crime to focusing on a holistic, comprehensive view of that and how we reduce crime," Scott said.
Helton is pursuing a more data-driven approach as he takes on this new title. He said his work on the new real-time crime center is an example of how the department can transform and improve safety in the city.
"We can turn that technology into an avenue to where it makes it more convenient and more engaging between law enforcement and the community," Helton said.
In the first 30 to 60 days, Helton said he plans to gather ideas from the department and the community with hopes of shifting the organization's culture.
"Every officer realizes they are community-oriented police officers," Helton said.
Little Rock City Director for Ward 6 Andrew Lewis said community policing could make a difference.
"[It] helps our residents get familiar and understand that it's all about relationships," Lewis said.
Helton explained that his passion for transforming the organization to better serve the community stems from family.
"My family is here [and] my kids have been raised here," Helton said. "My whole life has been invested into this community."
Throughout the search, Scott Jr. said 38 people applied for the job. He also said Helton is backed by the Black Police Officers Association and Fraternal Order of Police.
Their support is what solidified the decision.