Jonesboro Police Department

09/07/2026

Due to ongoing construction, the office portion of the Police Department will be temporarily closed to public walk-in traffic.

Our officers will continue to serve and respond to calls as normal.

For non-emergency assistance, please call 318-259-2164.

For emergencies, please call 911.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while construction is being completed.

Chief Israel Smith
Jonesboro Police Department

09/04/2026

I want to personally thank McDonald Memorial Baptist Church for hosting the Annual “Backin’ the Badge” Breakfast.

As Police Chief, I know firsthand that our officers carry responsibilities and burdens that the public may never see. Something as simple as showing appreciation, offering encouragement, and letting officers know their community supports them means more than people realize.

I would love to see more churches throughout our community get involved. Law enforcement cannot build a safer community alone. We need our churches, families, schools, and community leaders working alongside us.

Thank you, McDonald Memorial Baptist Church, for serving those who serve others. This is what community partnership looks like.

08/21/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE PURSUIT ENDS IN HODGE

A vehicle pursuit that originated in Winn Parish ended safely in Hodge at the paper mill after traveling through multiple jurisdictions.

The pursuit began after Winn Parish deputies initiated a traffic stop. During the pursuit, they were assisted by the Jonesboro Police Department, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department, and Hodge Police Department.

The pursuit traveled from Winn Parish through Jonesboro, Quitman, Lincoln Parish, and into the Ruston city limits, before returning through Jackson Parish and Jonesboro and ultimately continuing into Hodge, where the pursuit was brought to an end.

No serious injuries have been reported. The identity of the individual involved will be released by the arresting agency at the appropriate time.

There is no immediate threat to the public related to this incident at this time.

We appreciate the cooperation and coordinated response of all law enforcement agencies involved. Incidents such as this demonstrate the importance of communication and teamwork across jurisdictional lines in protecting the public. Nothing follows.

08/18/2026

Please be advised that Jackson Parish is NOT currently under a burn ban; however, we HIGHLY DISCOURAGE any outdoor burning at this time due to the worsening drought conditions, shifting winds, and low humidity which increases the fire danger risk! We will continue to monitor the fire conditions and will update any changes if/when they occur! Jackson Parish Sheriff's Office Jonesboro Police Department Jonesboro Fire Department Hodge Fire Department Jackson Parish Police Jury Ward 4 Fpd Weston Ward 3 Fire & Protection District Jackson Parish

08/13/2026

🚌 BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDER 🚌

School starts back Monday, which means our school buses will once again be on the road carrying some of the most precious passengers in our community our children.

Drivers, please slow down, stay alert, and give yourself a little extra time in the mornings and afternoons. Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Children may be crossing the roadway, and one impatient decision can have lifelong consequences.

📵 Put the phone down.
🚸 Watch carefully for children at bus stops and crossings.
🚌 Stop for school buses as required by law.
🚗 Do not speed through school zones.
⏰ Leave early and expect delays.

Our officers will be paying close attention to school zones and school bus safety violations as students return.

A few extra minutes behind a school bus is a small inconvenience. A child’s life cannot be replaced.

Let’s start this school year safely. Slow down, stay alert, and help us protect our children.

Chief Israel Smith
Jonesboro Police Department

08/09/2026

08/07/2026

Service is good

08/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jonesboro Police Department
Office of the Chief of Police

Statement from Chief Israel Smith Regarding Leon Drive Shooting

The Jonesboro Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred on August 2, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m. in the 300 block of Leon Drive.

As a result of this incident, two individuals sustained injuries and four individuals have been taken into custody. This remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation. To protect the integrity of the case and ensure a successful prosecution, only limited information will be released at this time. Additional details will be provided as they become appropriate for public release.

I want the citizens of Jonesboro to know that this incident had the potential to end in a much greater tragedy. Reckless acts of violence place innocent lives at risk, including our children, families, and neighbors. This type of behavior has no place in our community.

I also want to speak directly to our community. Public safety is a shared responsibility. If you know of individuals carrying illegal fi****ms, making violent threats, planning retaliatory acts, or engaging in criminal activity that could seriously injure or kill someone, I urge you to report it before another family is forced to suffer the consequences.

The old mentality of “no snitching” has no place when innocent lives are on the line. Remaining silent while knowing someone intends to commit violence does not protect the community it endangers it. Looking out for one another means speaking up when you have information that could prevent a tragedy.

Let me be perfectly clear: the Jonesboro Police Department will use every lawful resource available to identify, arrest, and hold accountable those who choose to bring violence into our community. We will continue working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

I ask everyone to remain patient as detectives continue their work and to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Jonesboro Police Department. Even the smallest piece of information could prove valuable to this investigation.

Chief Israel Smith
Chief of Police
Jonesboro Police Department

07/30/2026

Please use extreme caution in the area of U.S. Highway 167 and Louisiana Highway 4.

Officers are currently on scene with a disabled semi-truck that is partially blocking the intersection of Highway 4 beneath the traffic signal.

Please slow down, watch for emergency personnel, and be prepared for possible delays while the roadway is being cleared. If possible, consider using an alternate route until the obstruction has been removed.

Thank you for your patience and for helping keep our officers and fellow motorists safe.