The first two rounds of Operation Stop the Bleed, a joint crime prevention campaign conducted recently by the Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Arkansas State Police, netted 27 tickets, 36 warnings and a total of 56 charges, according to the PBPD.

The special patrols happened on Wednesday, July 9, and Friday, July 11, in an area bordered by Hazel and Cherry streets known as Zone 1. This area was chosen because of its high call volume to police about possible gunfire.

In June, Zone 1 saw 26 calls related to possible gunfire, far surpassing other areas of the city.

By comparison, Zone 2 had two calls, Zone 3 had 11 calls, Zone 4 had seven calls, Zone 5 had eight calls and Zone 6 had seven calls about suspected gun activity.

"If anyone in this city is illegally firing guns, know that you will eventually be seeing someone from the PBPD," Pine Bluff Police Department Public Information Specialist John Worthen said. "We are serious about fighting crime in this community. The residents are fed up with it, and so are we."

Many of the 27 tickets issued during Operation Stop the Bleed's first two rounds included multiple offenses.

According to PBPD data, violations ranged from expired tags, lack of insurance, suspended driver's licenses and speeding. Two citations were given for marijuana possession. Police made no arrests.

Operation Stop the Bleed has 10 rounds remaining and is designed as a proactive crimefighting initiative, Pine Bluff Police Chief Shirley Warrior said.

So far, the efforts have been successful, according to PBPD officials.

"It lets people know we are out there doing our job," Worthen said. "Residents want to know that someone has their backs. That's us. That is why we are here."

Dates for future Stop the Bleed campaigns will be announced later.