I continue to be frustrated and deeply concerned about the Though we know it happens frequently, it's shocking when crime, especially violent crime, touches us or someone we love or know.
We're alarmed. We want action.
is right to form a violent crime task force to quickly examine what's going on, where, why and what more the city can do through various city departments, not just the New Orleans Police Department. She's given the 14-member group 60 days to identify key problems and troubling trends and find ways to have an immediate impact. The task force had its first meeting Friday.
The New Orleans City Council is right to look at to require private parking lots to employ a live attendant during special events. Private company operational costs and concerns must be considered, but they have to help.
The New Orleans City Council is right to consider a proposal by Council member Lesli Harris to brighten public parking lots by adding cameras and lights. That's a good idea, but one that likely involves several city departments and maybe a contractor.
is right to convene a to share ideas and ordinances — and to ask questions about what the city administration, the NOPD and others are doing to reverse these crime trends. I hope it'll be civil, focused and include next steps.
District Attorney Jason Williams is right to pursue the progressive style of prosecution that voters chose when they elected him. He's right to work with NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork to coordinate prevention and prosecution. That includes asking why we don't seem to be able to increase solve rates.
Woodfork is right to help her officers to gain some flexibility by continuing to pursue the end of federal, court-supervised police department oversight. The was much needed when it was negotiated with the U.S. Justice Department, then approved in 2013 after a 2011 Justice Department . She's right to ask for more prosecutions, and convictions when warranted.
Criminal and juvenile court judges are right to focus on youth crime prevention, rehabilitation and prosecution when a youth goes astray — or becomes a serial criminal, particularly a violent one. How much taxpayers should pay to handle the vast minority who have committed bad actions is an ongoing, big question. Shouldn't the majority of our kids who are doing nothing wrong get more attention, encouragement and support to make sure they continue those paths?
The State of Louisiana and Orleans Parish are right to have detention centers, jails and prisons to house those who have been convicted or otherwise judged to be guilty. Housing those who are awaiting judicial hearings or trial is another matter that requires some intensive debate and discussion.
Just because you're right doesn't mean all your specific ideas are the way to go. When you're right you should be able to present and defend your proposals. You should welcome challenges and questions, which don't automatically signal a lack of respect.
We finished 2022 with far too much crime, especially homicides, vehicle thefts and burglaries. This is a major problem but all good ideas can't be implemented. Too much money, too few resources, too little time. Cooperation is crucial.
There are several "right" efforts continued or starting. I'm pleased to see the mayor's task force, though I hope the City Council, crime scholars and social workers will be added. I'm pleased to see council members looking at data, asking questions and coming up with ideas. I hope they'll do their job, and cooperate.
As I've said before, I think Cantrell is the right person to lead this effort. To be successful, she has to listen and entertain ideas from others, not dictate solutions. All leaders cannot "lead" on this issue, but every leader can help.
Like me, people just want to see results.