SPD outlines unified plan to address cruising; summer interns to study behavior

Captain Kelly told the Public Safety Committee the department has a unified standard operating procedure for addressing cruising and has adjusted downtown and traffic patrol hours to cover peak times. She said the department has an agreement with Caddo Parish Sheriff Whitehorn to have deputies assist and is using auxiliary officers where appropriate.

"We have what we think is a pretty good plan to address the cruising and ample number of officers," Captain Kelly said. She emphasized the department’s preference to monitor gatherings and intervene when activity escalates into safety hazards or ordinance violations: “We monitor the situation. We get involved when it begins to get chaotic or it tends to be going toward, violations of ordinances and laws.”

Council members asked how officers disperse large gatherings and whether residents should call the nonemergency line. Captain Kelly said reporting via the nonemergency number helps the department locate and address disruptive behavior, and said a sufficient police presence tends to reduce problems.

The department plans a summer research project led by interns to better understand cruising behavior and tailor responses. Chief Smith said two interns will assist with in‑depth research; Captain Kelly said the interns are expected to bring social‑media and youth‑culture insights that the department lacks.

No committee action was required; staff said they will continue operational deployments and follow up on results from the intern research.