New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says his officers wonder why they should bother to make arrests when District Attorney Jason Williams is refusing to prosecute more than 75 percent of misdemeanor arrests and 40 percent of felony cases.
The chief says criminals actually taunt the cops, telling them they are wasting time locking them up.
"They have been more or less demoralized, and I think part of that is when the arrested subject themself tells them, 'I'll be out before you get off.' That sends a message to the officers."
Ferguson says he hears it from officers on the street, at roll call and other times when he meets with them.
"They begin to question themselves, 'Why am I out here? Why am I doing this job if there is no accountability.'"
The chief says it also had the people breaking the law feeling like they can get away with it.
"It has created a more bolder and brazen criminal that we are seeing today, absolutely."
Ferguson told the New Orleans City Council they repeatedly see people they have already busted for one crime back on the street breaking more laws.
"On numerous, numerous occasions we have found ourselves re-arresting some of the same individuals."
Williams told the council that the case refusals are not making the city more dangerous.
Click below to read more about what the DA had to say...
