“I would expect that over the final quarter of this year, we’re going to see measurable improvements.” --Michael Hecht, NOLA Coalition.
Redeployment has yielded early results for NOPD. But crime is still going on, are we expecting too much? WWL spoke with NOLA Coalition member Michael Hecht about the moves made by the police department to answer the on-going crime problem:
“I think that the steps that have been made by the Police, with the redeployment to the streets and the D.A. with the dash boards are both strategic qualitatively correct steps in the right direction. I think we shouldn’t read too much into the early data, but look at the trend over time.”
Hecht calls the changes made the department a journey, not a flip of the switch.
“While it was encouraging to see the first two weeks of October were better than the previous year, I think all of us know that it’s still going to be a bumpy road ahead. It’s going to take some time for the overall situation to improve. But these steps are important and they’re absolutely in the right direction. Because of the redeployment of manpower and frankly simply of the increased focus across the criminal justice system.”
Hecht feels the administration and the city must stay the course in their plan to revitalize the department and blunt advancing criminal activity.
“But in order to get our officer level back to the right level to implement technology and civilianization, this is a journey, it’s not a flipping the switch kind of deal. I think we’re going to have to seek commitment through the remainder of this administration and then beyond to creating a New Orleans where all of our kids are safe on the street and businesses are comfortable operating and investing.”
With concern over teen and criminal activity running high, Hecht, a father of teens, commented on efforts by the Coalition and kids themselves.
“Kids can be very rational. And when you give them better options they will take them. So we have to give them better options for jobs, for recreation, for things to do after school.”
Hecht then announced the Coalitions latest move, to make good on a promise to fulfil one of their major platforms.
“Next week, we’re excited to be announcing the first round of grands coming through United Way to a number youth service organizations in town. So stay tuned for that and I think its’s so important for everybody to remember that even as we’re addressing public safety today, we’re also making the investment in generational change for tomorrow.”
