(The Center Square) — Newly reported numbers from Parish Administrator Erica Bryant show a slight rise in the number of juveniles in detention while probation cases are still trending steady.
Overall reported juvenile crime has trended down throughout the past few months in the parish, but there was a spike in recently reported detention numbers.
Bryant said in Monday’s Caddo Commission work session that there are currently 16 in detention, two 17-year-olds, one in the Office of Juvenile Justice, 24 with the chief court counselor and 423 probation cases.
Apart from the rise in detention numbers since the March 31 work session when there were a reported three juveniles in detention, the other numbers have stayed relatively the same. Previously, there were two in the Office of Juvenile Justice, three 17-year-olds, 24 with the chief court counselor, and 423 probation cases.
Juveniles in detention have risen by 13, according to the stats provided.
These newly reported numbers align with what the parish was seeing previously before experiencing a significant drop in juvenile crime numbers. On March 17, the parish had 19 in detention, two 17-year-olds, two in the Office of Juvenile Justice, 27 with the chief court counselor, and 423 probation cases.
While the reason behind the rise in detention cases is unknown, stats are still reporting lower than they were in January and February, especially detention and probation cases. Reports from Feb. 18 showed 24 in detention and 452 on probation. On Jan. 6, probation numbers were over 470.
There have been no new crime initiatives relating to juveniles announced, but the parish is currently implementing crime prevention in other areas. A new squatter ordinance was set in place along with crime cameras throughout the city. The newly enacted ASK BLUE operation aims to deploy officers in highly affected areas of blight.
Operation ASK BLUE stands for “Addressing Squatters Knowledgably” with “Bold Legal Unified Efforts.”
