Shreveport Sees Significant Shift in Crime Rates Over the Last Decade
Shreveport, the bustling city in Louisiana, has been witnessing quite a change in its crime rates over the past ten years. According to data compiled by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting database, property and violent crime rates in the area have overall decreased during this period. It’s important to recognize that while the statistics are helpful, they have been met with some skepticism. A recent report from the Coalition for Law, Order and Safety suggested that actual crime rates may be higher than what the FBI numbers reflect.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
In late 2014 and into 2015, Shreveport’s violent crime rate hovered around an average of 400 to 500 reports per month. Things took a dramatic turn in early 2016, ultimately peaking in May 2018 with a shocking 695 violent incidents reported in that month alone. However, a positive trend began in 2019 when the figures started to decline, reaching the 200s during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020—numbers that had not been seen previously.
The principal takeaway from November 2022 offered perhaps the most encouraging news yet, with the report tallying up to just 229 violent crimes. Since that point, the monthly figures haven’t seen the 500 mark again, and remarkably, October 2023 recorded a rare moment—zero reported violent crime cases in the month!
Understanding Property Crime in Shreveport
Property crimes have also showcased a downward trend, particularly after 2019. Before this period, property offenses were still averaging between 800 to 1,000 cases per month until the middle of 2020, when significant decreases began to unfold. The peak for property crime occurred in January 2017 when 1,130 incidents were reported in that month. However, since then, property crime rates have consistently stayed below the 1,000 mark, settling down to averages around 700 to 800 reports per month.
In 2021, these numbers dropped further, averaging around 600 cases for the next two years. Yet, Shreveport has seen a slight uptick in 2023, with reports showing figures in the 700s and low 800s—except again for October 2023, where similar to the violent crime, there were no reports.
Not All Areas are Reporting
While property crimes have generally decreased across Louisiana since 2014, the percentage of the population covered by reporting agencies has also shifted. This is a point worth noting since it implies some discrepancies might exist in the overall assessment of crime statistics. It’s also vital to point out that Shreveport has a notably higher crime rate when measured per 100,000 residents compared to the overall state statistics.
Comparing Shreveport to Statewide Averages
When broken down, Shreveport reported 357 property crimes for every 100,000 residents, contrasted with Louisiana’s average of 219. The violent crimes per population are similarly alarming, with Shreveport showing 202 incidents compared to the statewide average of 138.
A violent offense encompasses serious acts including murder, nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, simple assault, and intimidation. On the flip side, property crimes like burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson also represent major concerns for residents.
Looking Ahead
No matter how you look at it, the trends in Shreveport’s crime rates tell a story of improvement, with hopes for continued progress into the future. While acknowledging the fluctuations and potential reporting discrepancies, it’s heartening to see a city taking steps toward a safer community for all its residents.
