Perception is Reality – Part I

In conversations with Natchitoches residents on their doorstep, on the street or in other settings while on the campaign trail, the topic of their safety and security inevitably is discussed.

Statistics have been presented which indicate that crime in our town is on the decline – and there is some merit to that narrative – but more needs to be done to ensure that Natchitoches residents genuinely feel safe and secure in their homes, in their cars and in general, as they live their lives.

To the previous point – a survey of Natchitoches residents would no doubt reflect that they are still very concerned about crime.

Again, perception is reality.

The mayor and city council must take the lead in providing the resources, support, and accountability which law enforcement needs to mitigate crime. Governor Landry recently expressed concern over statewide record-low police and sheriff department employments. Natchitoches must go against this trend by continuing to make progress towards fully staffing – and retaining – its law enforcement personnel. The retention part of that process is especially noteworthy since it costs $4,000 to hire and train a new officer.

Juvenile crime, specifically, must be curbed. There must be a way to incarcerate perpetrators for longer than 36 hours before turning them loose to repeat the same crimes. More punitive measures need to be instituted, even if short term – pick up trash, paint buildings…hard labor! Hold the parents/families more accountable. Enforce curfew (remember that?). I am hopeful that Governor Landry lowers the age for an adult criminal charge from 18 to 17, which will make being arrested at age 17 come with harsher consequences. Bottom line – the Natchitoches community needs ongoing assurance that the city will implement a multi-level plan to alleviate crime.

The citizens of Natchitoches also must take ownership of this issue. To steal a lyric from the “Hair Band” days, there must be a “we’re not going to take it anymore” attitude and approach. Lock cars/doors/gates, light up residences and surroundings, report suspicious activity, set up additional neighborhood watches, and more. There is still strength in numbers!

One more time – perception is reality. Crime remains at an elevated level of concern in Natchitoches and needs to be addressed in our neighborhoods, in the historic district, on the streets, and in all corners of town.

Perception is Reality – Part II

Warning – I am going to beat the proverbial dead horse.

A week ago, my NPJ column stated that “perception is reality” and the prevailing perception is that Natchitoches has a crime issue.

Over the past six weeks, I have visited with citizens in all four city districts and the concern is consistent. I repeatedly hear phrases like “this isn’t the town I grew up in” and “I am worried about my town.” I also have received considerable feedback validating the premise of last week’s column. Furthermore, 97 percent of responses to last week’s NPJ poll asking if crime is increasing were affirmative.

Getting a handle on crime creates opportunities which, when combined with the strategic “Natchitoches NEXT” plan, will truly make the sky the limit for Natchitoches.

A safe and secure city generates the following:

• Higher tourism (and more return visitors) pouring more tax dollars into the city.
• More retirees moving here for their “golden years.” Keep in mind that being home to a university with all it has to offer is especially attractive to those individuals.
• A larger university enrollment. Parents do their research and want to know that their child is safe and sound. More students mean a better bottom line for local businesses and an NSU regional economic impact that will grow from the current mark of $520 million.
• Businesses and companies moving here because they have a comfort level with their employees (and their families) relocating here…and best believe that they will be doing their research before committing to “setting up shop” here.
• Last but certainly not least, peace of mind for residents.

Again, continuing to expand law enforcement staff and focusing on retaining them (compensation) is imperative. Youth mentoring programs such as Big Brothers and Sisters and the rejuvenated Boys and Girls Club of Louisiana are positive. The announcement last Thursday of a renewed emphasis on enforcing curfew by the NPD will be effective. Everyone, from the mayor to city council to law enforcement officers to the community must, however, do more. See last week’s column for some of my thoughts on this and, by the way, one of them was enforcing curfew.

The horse will never be 100 percent dead but nonetheless, we must start beating it.

Final reminder – the voter registration deadline for the upcoming election is this Saturday, March 2 and must be completed online at vote.gov. Early voting is from March 9-16 and Election Day is March 23.