(The Center Square) — The Caddo Commission heard an updated juvenile census report from Parish Administrative Officer Erica Bryant during Monday’s work session, showing a drastic decrease in probation cases since last month.
According to Bryant’s report, there are 18 juveniles in detention, two with the Office of Juvenile Justice, two 17-year-olds, 21 juveniles at the Caddo Correctional Center and 436 probation cases.
The last report was presented at the end of June, showing 17 in detention, six with the Office of Juvenile Justice, no 17-year-olds, 23 in the Caddo Correctional Center and 461 probation cases.
While juveniles in detention are up one, probation cases saw a significant decrease over the last month.
The detention numbers reporting lower are no surprise, given what Caddo Parish Assistant Administrator Clay Walker said during the last report.
“In the summer, June, July and August are actually the three lowest months of the year,” said Walker. “The highest months are April, May, September and October.” He said this is a common misconception.
Admissions for juveniles were trending low even before the last report showing 17 in detention, five with the Office of Juvenile Justice, 26 in the Caddo Correctional Center and 452 probation cases.
Previous reports have shown that when school ends, the parish sees an increase in juvenile crimes. However, this number steadily drops as summer continues. Based on Walker’s projection, the parish could be seeing a spike in juvenile numbers in the coming months.
