Police in Arkansas to Implement New Strategy to Stop Street Crime

New unit of cops with AR-15s who will randomly ask residents for ID

PARAGOULD, Ark. (AP) - An increase in street crime has led Paragould Police Chief Todd Stovall to plan a new unit of officers who will patrol on foot and may randomly ask residents for identification.

Mayor Mike Gaskill and Stovall attended a Thursday night meeting with about 40 residents and told them that the officers will use foot patrols in neighborhoods with high crime rates.

The Paragould Daily Press reports Stovall said the officers will be clad in protective gear and carry AR-15 rifles. Stovall says that if officers see people on the street, they'll ask why they are out and ask to see identification.