(The Center Square) – The Bossier City Police Department spent more money on personnel-related expenses last year as the city’s crime rate declined.
In 2025, the department spent an additional $3.51 million for salary and pay adjustments and increased retirement and insurance costs. The number of officers on Bossier streets remained unchanged.
The department’s total budget was $27.46 million, with $21.8 million earmarked for salaries and benefits, according to the budget document.
Meanwhile, crime fell by double digits. Homicide, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, general theft and auto theft were down by an average of 25%. Rape was up by one case over the previous year.
Neither the police department nor the mayor’s office was available for comment to clarify how the data was collected – whether through written reports, arrests or calls – and law enforcement staffing levels.
In a news release, Police Chief Daniel Haugen said the decrease reflects strong policing and community involvement, and the department will continue working to keep crime as low as possible in the city, which has a population of approximately 63,000.
The police department has 214 employees that include police officers and supervisors and support staff, the same number as the previous year, according to the budget. FBI databases and other sources indicate there are between 150 and 170 officers.
According to Bossier’s data, the number of crimes in these categories changed by the following amounts:
• Homicides dropped to two in 2025, compared to six in 2024
• Rapes increased by one, totaling 40 in 2025
• Burglaries dropped from 281 in 2024 to 247 in 2025
• Aggravated assaults dropped from 431 in 2024 to 327 in 2025
• Thefts dropped from 1,856 in 2024 to 1,667 in 2025
• Auto thefts dropped from 260 in 2024 to 158 in 2025.
