What they say about NOcrimeline

Early this month, on the anniversary of NOcrimeline, we warned of efforts by the 8th District to curtail the information about crimes in the French Quarter, Marigny Triangle and Warehouse District it had been supplying to you via NOcrimeline for the past year. We asked you to contact the district's commander, Maj. Edwin Hosli, to let him know how important this information is to you.

You responded overwhelmingly. The stack of emails Maj. Hosli printed out was as thick as a ream of paper. Virtually all of your emails were long, thoughtful responses. Surprisingly, the tone of the emails were not so much critical of Maj. Hosli for curtailing information now, but praised him for supplying the information during the past year.

In message after message, NOcrimeline subscribers wrote that they felt safer because they had the information. A good many of the emails told Maj. Hosli how the information he so freely supplied in the past year led them to have more confidence in the police and more willingness to work with the NOPD.

Now that ALL information from the 8th District is being withheld from NOcrimeline by Maj. Hosli, it is a good time to review how important citizens say NOcrimeline is to them. Maj. Hosli may think he is penalizing me by withholding the information. But in truth, he is jeopardizing the safety of the citizens he's sworn to serve who've come to rely on the information he had been providing the past year through NOcrimeline.

Thom Kahler

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Here is an edited sampling of some of the many comments sent to Maj. Hosli and copied to NOcrimeline:

From a woman in the Warehouse District:

"...NOcrimeline has been very helpful in letting us know what streets to avoid, what to look for when I'm walking alone and what areas are being targeted. I don't believe in guns and don't own one, so my best defense against crime is knowledge. I have looked at the Times-Picayune reports in the paper but they do not have the detailed in information I need to walk the streets as safely as possible."

From a man on Burgundy Street:

"I scan the crime reports in the Times-Picayune, but I READ carefully the emails I receive from NOcrimeline.

"I realize that Thom Kahler's comments and asides might offend someone, but he's a writer, and can you say he's not telling it like it is? He has alerted me to the fact that a young man wearing a hood is not out selling Girl Scout cookies, but he's also been clear that your attacker can be of any race."

From a man in the Marigny Triangle:

"I commend you on working with Thom Kahler to put a crime report out to the citizens of New Orleans. First, it encourages a good relationship between the citizens and the police. It creates a sense of trust by eliminating rumors about crimes occurring.

"We know the truth and, by knowing the facts and the descriptions, the time, the places of crimes, the citizens become part of the defense against these criminals because people are more aware of their surroundings and are more aware of reporting suspicious things to the police. By reading the crime report, a citizen may be helpful in providing information...

"Please continue working with our neighbor, Thom Kahler, to provide the crime report."

From another man in the Marigny Triangle:

"I have a more positive view of our police force since I started reading Mr. Kahler's website. I feel about 1000% more connected to my immediate community than the days when I only had the neighborhood gossip to pass rumors about what bad things were happening. I believe you should do everything you can to keep this information flowing freely."

From a woman on Gov. Nicholls Street:

"I have used the information provided in these reports to keep myself and my friends and family safe. I take note of activity in certain areas and adjust my behavior accordingly. If we don't know what's going on, how can we prevent future attacks?...the bulk of my information comes from NOcrimeline...I DO read my NOcrimeline alerts religiously."

The same woman went on to say:

"Incidentally, my husband was at a corner in the Quarter (recently) where there was a vicious mugging not 15 minutes later. I wonder if his vigilant attitude and demeanor stemming from the information we get from NOCrimeline didn't help prevent him from becoming that unfortunate victim 15 minutes later."

From a woman in the Bywater:

"I have come to rely on the information conveyed by NOcrimeline as well as any and all commentary or observations made by its editor, Thom Kahler, who I understand lives and breathes in this neighborhood. Because of Mr. Kahler, whose writing not only informs of crimes, but also runs a thread through crimes; types of criminals: age, sex, body type, clothing, etc.; crime locales: what are the heaviest-hit streets; crime time frames, etc., I am more aware than ever before of safe and unsafe zones; safe and unsafe time periods; what trends are occurring, i.e., are the criminals young, older, males, females, are they wearing hoodies?; and how to best protect myself from becoming a victim."

The same woman added:

"In addition to the information from NOcrimeline, which I have found is conveyed in an often humorous fashion, there is another important consideration. NOcrimeline publishes to each individual's email. It provides an encapsulation, a snapshot, all in one post, right to your email--without my having to go to a website to search for the information, or pick up a newspaper and piece together all the events occurring over a week's time. I happen to read it when I get in to my office. And since I do not subscribe to the Times Picayune, nor do I plan to do so, it is an invaluable tool for keeping abreast of just how bad it actually is out there and how best to avoid being mugged, raped, or robbed at gunpoint short of never leaving the house."

From a man living in the Jax Brewery:

"I read NOcrimeline religiously...It is the only source of information we believe gives the real details of the crime and the thugs. Most news reporting is now so sugar coated and politically correct, it is almost useless to someone trying to avoid bad situations. NOcrimeline does not sugar coat who is responsible for the crime and gives descriptions and pictures. To me and my family that is very valuable information and very well could save one or all of our lives one day."

From a woman on Gov. Nicholls Street:

"I am writing to stress the importance of Thom Kahler's NOcrimeline reports to our community. We were trying to start such a reporting service at the time that our friends, Gregg and Belinda Huber, were attacked when leaving our home last year. When the police arrived, they said, 'Oh, we know this guy--he has hit a few other times'...we were furious because if we had known about this criminal...maybe Belinda would not have hesitated to run or scream...

"Originally, we tried to start a website where victims reported the crimes, but there were some issues as to credibility and false reports. Luckily, Mr. Kahler stepped in with an offer to handle the reporting, and your office agreed to give Mr. Kahler the information as quickly as possible...We cannot be effective neighborhood crime watchers if we don't know who or what to watch out for, and what's going on in our neighborhood...Please help us by keeping the NOcrimeline service going."

From another woman:

"...I consider it one of the most valuable sources of information in New Orleans. I read every dispatch carefully, and I pay attention to crime locations and try to follow advice offered by the police and by Thom Kahler. Since becoming a regular reader of NOcrimeline, I definitely am more aware of my surroundings and the people I encounter as I walk the streets of the Quarter and Marigny. More than once I have altered my route as a result of some detail in a NOcrimeline report. The information Thom Kahler transmits is far more clear and comprehensive than any offered by the Times-Picayune...It gives us vital information that's well written, timely, and useful."

From a man in the Marigny Triangle:

"I would like to express my gratitude to you and all of the other 8th district officers who work to keep my neighborhood safe...I hope that you realize that the service provided by NOcrimeline.com is of extreme importance to the citizens...Your complete cooperation is as important as it is expected.

"Local residents must know in a timely and accurate report about the activities occurring outside of their own front doors. Obviously you will feel the effects of the reporter's bias and/or emotions...but as a civil servant, you know this comes with the territory."

A woman whose daughter just moved to the Warehouse District:

"I feel much better after browsing your website and knowing you are giving your time to help the citizens in that area. I would like to know everything that goes on. I can't stop a thug, but with the help of your website my daughter and many of her young friends who frequent the area weekly have a new awareness!"

Woman who lives in Warehouse District:

"Not only does NOcrimeline inform its readers of the actual criminal activity going on in our neighborhoods, providing details on the crime, the perpetrators, and the incident location, it has also become a tool in increasing our awareness of the escalating violence in our city and reminding us to be aware of our surroundings.

"...I have found out more information about these unfortunate criminal incidents through the NOcrimeline weekly emails than I have ever found on the local TV news or in the Times-Picayune. It is by far the most comprehensive and honest news reporting in the city."

From a worker in the French Quarter:

"As a victim of a serious crime that never got reported in the Times-Picayune, I have no faith in them whatsoever. I hear unbelievable rumors almost daily about crime in the Quarter and rely on NOcrimeline for the facts and photos of the criminals. Without this reporting I may reconsider whether to work in the Quarter anymore."

From a woman on Gov. Nicholls Street:

"It has been a comfort to me to have the NOcrimeline report. It gives me information on what to watch for, who to watch for, to gauge when I should come and go; and I can share this information with friends and relatives who will come to the Quarter to either visit or shop."

From a man on St. Peter Street:

"I recently became aware of the NOcrimeline website and was shocked to find out how much crime is happening in the Quarter and the surprising locations of the high-crime areas...based on the data we have, some of the residents on my block are thinking about adding video cameras and more lighting on the outside of our residences."

From a writer residing on Dumaine Street:

"...But for these reports, all we would have to assess the situation is wild rumors and uninformed fear..."

From a couple who recently moved to the Quarter:

"One of the key factors in deciding where to live in New Orleans was the information that we have received from Thom Kahler and his NOcrimeline newsletter/website. Unlike the remainder of the city, the openness and transparency of information that Thom was able to share with us and his high regard for the management of the 8th District was instrumental in our decision. We felt that we know what was really going on from a crime standpoint and that we could make an educated decision about where to live, where to go and how to best get there."

From a woman in the Warehouse District:

"I want to thank you for your past cooperation in forwarding information to NOcrimeline. My husband...entertains high-ranking executives (of a major corporation) routinely. I cannot emphasize to you what it would cost New Orleans if one of those employees or any of (its) employees were to be robbed or, worse yet, gunned down while conducting business in this city...My husband and I need to know what areas to stay clear of and when for the purposes of keeping our out-of-town visitors out of harm's way. NOcrimeline has been a very important tool in obtaining that information and it would be disadvantageous for this service to cease and desist."

The manager of a major real estate office in the neighborhood:

"The reports I receive from NOcrimeline are a valuable source of information for me and my 44 (real estate agents). Without the reports, we would not have the information we need about crime in our neighborhood so all of us can take precautions against becoming a victim."

From a doctor's wife who lives on Bienville Street:

"Before NOcrimeline, we had no reliable source of information. Now we read every report and, based on this knowledge, make decisions about when and where we want to go out."

From a resident of St. Peter Street:

"Frankly, it boils down to a simple selection: Do you want the citizens of your district to help you in your efforts to fight crimes...or do you want us to be critical of your efforts?...We are a very real force of being 'for you' or 'against you.' "

From a woman on Royal Street:

"I appreciate the extra efforts the 8th District has taken in compiling this information. I believe there are many of us that have come to rely on it."

From a single woman on Burgundy Street:

"The hard work of the NOPD and its willingness to cooperate with NOcrimeline has not gone unnoticed, and this alone has made many of my friends and coworkers feel safer and more comfortable living and working in the French Quarter."

From an exile from the Quarter who wants to return:

"I applaud the 8th District for their cooperation, initiative and willingness to do anything to employ any means for stopping crime. I remember the old days when crime was covered up allowing boils to fester. I am grateful the police force is employing citizens to be their eyes and ears. Unlike other districts, they seem to understand we are all on the same team."

From a man in the Marigny Triangle:

"I must add, that since this report has started, I have heard more positive comments about your force than ever before."

From a woman on Dumaine Street:

"The service provided by the reports from NOcrimeline have made a huge difference in how I look at my neighborhood as well as the officers who protect, defend and serve the public. The information that is sent out gives each resident a feeling of some control over their lives...It at least gives you an idea of what and where things are happening. If the reports stop, suspicion and distrust of authority--not to mention rumors--run rampant.

"What could possibly be the reason that information cannot be shared with citizens? The public face of the (NOPD) says 'You are our eyes and ears--we need your help,' (but) your public actions say 'Butt out!'

"NOcrimeline is a vital link in the rebuilding of a safe and viable community. It serves as a bridge for a flow of information--and (the NOPD) is burning it. What a lost opportunity for the police to be seen as public servants serving and earning the respect of the community for a very difficult job. We will be back to 'same song, second verse' if those who see NOcrimeline as a threat are able to suppress it."

...and finally, from a blogger:

"It's a sad state of affairs when the residents of the Quarter have to depend on a public citizen to go out and get the information which should be provided in an easy to use format."

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If you wish to contact Maj. Hosli with comments of your own, remember all emails go to his Blackberry 24/7, so please wait until regular business days and hours.