Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Reflects on First 100 Days of Progress and Community Engagement

Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office Celebrates First 100 Days of Progress

In Caddo Parish, Sheriff Henry Whitehorn took to pen and paper this week to share a heartfelt letter with the community as he commemorated his first 100 days in office. The sheriff’s letter is part reflection and part announcement, and it showcases his commitment to transparency, accountability, and community collaboration.

Marking a Milestone

“These early days have been a crucial period for establishing new partnerships, reinforcing our commitment to community engagement, and beginning key initiatives that will help us serve you better in the years ahead,” Whitehorn expressed. His words echo a sentiment of gratitude, thanking the residents of Caddo Parish for their support over the first 100 days. In his address, he emphasizes that building trust is essential for effective policing and the overall safety of the community.

A Focus on Public Safety

According to Whitehorn, numerous initiatives have rolled out over the past months, emphasizing safety and trust within the community. One of the major steps has been the establishment of partnerships with local police chiefs and constables to bolster crime-fighting efforts throughout the area. Together with federal partners, plans to target and reduce violent crime are in the works, with a proposal that includes additional patrols within the Shreveport city limits.

School Resource Officers

The sheriff’s office has also expanded its presence in schools by hiring additional deputies as School Resource Officers (SROs). The vision was clear: to place an SRO in every high school by the start of the school year, ensuring a safer environment for students and staff alike.

Crime Prevention Initiatives

Under Whitehorn’s vision, a new Community Relations/Crime Prevention Unit is in motion, aimed at creating outreach programs to engage youth in safety and crime prevention strategies. Additionally, an active shooter training exercise was conducted to improve coordination among first responders during critical incidents.

Special Programs and Events

On the enforcement side of things, the sheriff’s office saw active collaboration in a large enforcement operation, resulting in 78 traffic stops and over 50 citations. Their brand-new Drone Unit has already proven effective, responding to 40 situations related to missing individuals and other emergencies, culminating in 10 arrests. Meanwhile, the Livestock Division fielded 165 calls to recover loose livestock, ensuring rural residents had peace of mind.

Engaging the Community

The sheriff’s letter also covers community engagement events like the successful Misdemeanor Warrant Resolution Event, where 150 individuals were able to resolve outstanding warrants. Caddo Parish deputies also participated in National Night Out, which saw people from various neighborhoods come together in a show of unity against crime.

Investing in Inmates’ Futures

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office recognizes that fostering a supportive environment extends to those incarcerated as well. As part of their rehabilitation efforts, 270 inmates completed substance abuse programs, while vocational training for skills like carpentry and forklift operation has equipped inmates for successful reintegration into society. Kids under the Youth Firearm Safety Education Camp have also learned critical skills on gun safety.

Ongoing Improvements and Tech Innovations

The sheriff’s office is also focused on efficiency and transparency, including plans to improve their online presence. A new website was launched in October that will soon feature crime mapping, allowing residents to stay informed about local incidents. Furthermore, the introduction of a mobile app for real-time community updates and alerts is just a step away.

A Promise for the Future

Looking ahead, Whitehorn assures residents that enhancing public safety is a collective journey, stating, “Together, we are laying the foundation for a safer, stronger future for all.” It’s clear that the first 100 days have set a commendable tone for Caddo Parish, as the sheriff and his office aim to continue moving forward with community-driven initiatives that promise lasting impact.

So, as Caddo Parish embarks on the next chapter under Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, it’s evident that the partnership between the community and law enforcement is built on the shared goal of safety and trust.