Crime update 3.22.07

Alerts coming...

Crime Alerts coming soon: Capt. Edwin Hosli of the NOPD 8th District has appointed two members of his staff, Sgt. Teri Meunier and Ofc. Colleen Fincher, to compile the district's crime reports DAILY and transmit them to me to compose as "Crime Alerts" to email to 400+ addresses on the NOcrimeline list. Once a method of transmitting the reports to me is devised, NOcrimeline should be able to send out alerts as soon as crimes occur.

In my meeting with them on Wednesday, 3.21.07, we agreed the 8th District would report ALL crimes against persons: murder, rape, aggravated battery (other than domestic disputes), assaults, armed robbery, purse snatching, and simple robbery). Property crimes (burglary, auto theft, theft, shoplifting) will be reported only when a trend becomes evident that the public should be aware of. The district will supply information on:

• When and where the crimes occurred in the French Quarter or Marigny Triangle;
• How the crime occurred (names of victims will not be used);
• A description of the perpetrator, if there is one, and a description of any vehicle used.
• In addition, the district's Quality-of-Life officer, Roger Jones, will add tips and precautions to help residents avoid the particular type of crime being reported.

The level of cooperation the Captain and his staff are offering to NOcrimeline and the enthusiasm they have for it is remarkable. Never once in the meeting did I hear the words "we can't", "that's too difficult", or anything of that nature. They seem willing to do anything possible to keep the residents of the 8th District well-informed so citizens can take precautions against becoming victims and help the NOPD apprehend those disturbing peace in our neighborhoods.

Call 911: Despite a recent warning from a Time-Picayune columnist that you would lose your anonymity by reporting a crime by calling 911, Capt. Hosli says: "I still suggest that in an emergency that you call 911. If you tell the 911 operator that you don't want to speak with the police and an officer still knocks at your door, I need to know this. We don't want our officers contacting citizens who want to remain anonymous. In times of an emergency the 821-2222 may delay the response times."

I personally had an occasion to call 911 this week and the emergency operator specifically asked if I wanted to speak with the officer sent to the scene. I declined, and the operator said the officer would not contact me. It appears to me you can use 911 and still maintain your anonymity.

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As always, your comments and suggests are welcome.

Thom Kahler