Is Gun Violence a Public Health Emergency in Shreveport?

SHREVEPORT, LA - Crime is one of the biggest concerns facing the leaders of Shreveport and Caddo Parish. Law enforcement leaders are working together to find new strategies to deal with the spike in some crime categories.

Would An Emergency Declaration Help?

Caddo Parish Commissioner Stormy Gage Watts is urging her colleagues to pass a measure declaring gun violence a public health emergency. She wants to use this resolution to call on all stakeholders to put together a plan to combat gun violence in our community. But no one has detailed any specific resources that would be available from such a declaration.

What Is Shreveport Doing About Crime?

Recently, the Shreveport City Council asked the Mayor to declare a state of emergency on crime. But Mayor Arceneaux decided not to issue such an order. He sent the council a long list of all the strategies the city is using to combat crime. He also pointed out that his staff could not find any additional resources that would be made available as a result of an emergency declaration.

Why Some Oppose this Emergency Declaration?

Critics of this parish emergency declaration say it sends the wrong message to the rest of the nation and the world. They say this could actually hinder growth and tourism in our region. They are urging parish leaders to work with law enforcement and others to urge the public to get involved and speak out about crimes in our neighborhoods.

The Caddo Parish Commission has decided to delay action on this resolution. A vote could come in two weeks on this proposal.