Louisiana Senate Bill SR121

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/20/13
• Refer: 5/21/13
• Report Pass: 5/28/13
• Passed: 5/29/13

Caption

Requests the legislative auditor to review certain crime statistics for the city of New Orleans.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution requires the legislative auditor to conduct a thorough review of the relevant crime data, particularly focusing on the trends surrounding gun assaults and murders in New Orleans. The outcomes of this audit may have implications for how crime statistics are reported in the future and could instigate broader discussions about crime management and public safety in urban settings. Furthermore, it may prompt local law enforcement agencies to revisit their crime classification processes to ensure accuracy and public trust.

Summary

Senate Resolution 121 urges the legislative auditor to review crime data and statistics for the city of New Orleans. The resolution highlights discrepancies in the city's gun assault to murder ratios, noting that New Orleans has a significantly lower ratio compared to national averages. In recent years, while the city has been marked by high murder rates, the number of gun assaults has not aligned with the expectations set by these figures, suggesting potential issues with crime reporting or classification within the New Orleans Police Department.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR121 appears to be cautious yet constructive, with legislative members recognizing the need for transparency and clarity in crime statistics. Supporters of the resolution advocate for a truthful representation of crime data, hoping that an official review will lead to improved policing methods and a focused approach to address violent crime, rather than sensationalizing the issues through skewed statistics.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention among local officials regarding the accuracy of reported crime data and the implications of this resolution. The suggestion that the New Orleans Police Department may be under-reporting certain violent crimes could spark debates over accountability, transparency, and how statistics could affect public perception and policy decisions regarding public safety funding and law enforcement resources.