Governor Landry says 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops need to be deployed to urban centers throughout the state because of elevated crime rates in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. But crime data analyst Jeff Asher says crime rates are actually declining.
“It’s a very strange time to be doing this, and it’s, in my opinion, a strange step, considering you’re not bringing in law enforcement resources. You’re bringing in non-law enforcement-trained soldiers to solve something which is a very civil matter,” Asher said.
In 2022, New Orleans had the nation’s highest murder rate, but the number of homicides this year in the Crescent City is the lowest it’s been since 1970, and other violent crimes are also down.
“Carjackings, relative to 2022, are down 80%, and shootings are down 63% this year. Auto thefts are down 67% from their peak in 2023,” Asher noted.
Asher says murders are also down in Baton Rouge and Shreveport.
“In Shreveport, we’re seeing a large decline in murder. Something like a 35% drop in murder through June,” Asher said.
If the governor’s request for the federal government to pay for the deployment of Louisiana National Guard troops is approved, they would assist local law enforcement in public safety until July 1st.
Here is a statement from the governor’s office.
“The Governor is very proud that his work addressing crime for the whole state, with his major reforms and specifically Troop NOLA in New Orleans, has shown results. He made crime the focus of his very first few months in office, and whether it is that troop in NOLA, the recent big crack down in Baton Rouge, or overall drops in crime throughout the state – that’s great. But still, one crime is more than zero. And any help Governor Landry can get in working toward zero, he’s going to take it.”
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