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John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.

He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.

John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.

John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.

He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.

 

PERCEPTION OF CRIME INCREASE NOT SUPPORTED BY FACTS

Ok, I get it.

Perception is often reality.

In a few short years the internet has become the "know all, tell all" expert opinion on practically everything.

Couple that with the constant FaceBook authorities, viola! No need to look for truths.

Such is the case with many Shreveport citizens and their perception of public safety. Admittedly, four recent murders of innocent victims have certainly contributed to these concerns.

But lets look at facts...the old fashion way of discovering what is correct.

So here it is—ready or not.

Crime is down 12% through July compared to last year. (August statistics not yet available.)

Repeat–through the end of July crime is down 12% below 2018 numbers. These are part 1 crimes–homicide, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, property theft and auto theft.

The total Part 1 crimes for 2018 were lower than 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Police substations that are included in the bond propositions will probably reduce these numbers.

Factually, substations will certainly reduce by 30 to 40 minutes of drive time from the central police station on Texas Avenue to officer patrol areas. That means more time actually patrolling versus commuting to neighborhoods.

CADDO COMMISSION SETS MARATHON INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR 19 REGISTRAR OF VOTERS CANDIDATES

AIRPORT AUTHORITY LOSES TRACK OF TICKETS